The 14th Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Annual Conference and Meeting, running from Tuesday to Wednesday, has urged universities in the region to embrace new technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
The East African Community (EAC) said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the meeting was convened in the Rwandan capital of Kigali and explored the potential of data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education while addressing the challenges and opportunities they present.
Rwandan Minister of Education Valentine Uwamariya called on higher education institutions to stay ahead of the technological curve and adapt to emerging trends. She encouraged academia to use data science and AI to improve the learning experience to ensure that it is relevant, enjoyable, and effective.
Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC deputy secretary general dealing with infrastructure, productive, social and political sectors, underscored the importance of adapting to emerging trends, including virtual universities, remote learning, and flexible education pathways.
Gaspard Banyankimbona, executive secretary of the IUCEA, said the emergence of data science and AI must revolutionize how universities operate and teach. “Embracing new technologies presents an opportunity for universities to remain relevant and contemporary.”
According to the statement, participants included data science and AI experts and practitioners, vice-chancellors, stakeholders, regulators and decision-makers in higher education institution sector, industry leaders, and government officials.
They shared experiences, best practices, and insights on how data science and AI can enhance teaching efficiency and student learning, retention, and success rates, said the statement.