23 Oct 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise countless aspects of our lives, says Attorney General, Ms Mmako Abram.

Speaking at the second edition of the University of Botswana graduation ceremony in Gaborone on October 20, Ms Abram urged all to contemplate AI in the context of ethical concerns for student assessment and data analysis.

She said AI came with the responsibility to address the ethical challenges it posed and that it raised questions of fairness, transparency and accountability.

Ms Abram also urged them to manage the complex ethical dynamics it posed with a keen understanding of principles that overcame justice and ethical practice.

She added that AI in academia had introduced new dynamics into the world of learning and research, noting that although it could enhance the learning experience and assist in research, it also brought challenges and academic integrity.

She said graduates were expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.

Ms Abram encouraged them to embrace AI changes and to recognise that they were uniquely positioned to address the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

She said AI was driving transformation in technical fields by automating tasks, analysing data and making predictions, and that its integration into various sectors had the potential to improve decision making and efficiency.

Ms Abram also described AI as a force of transformation and that the young graduates were the torch bearers.Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. David Norris, said one of their major undertakings was embedding work integrated learning in their educational approach.

He said they were strengthening the integration of theoretical classroom learning with practical work experiences, as they wanted students to apply what they learnt in the classroom to real work settings.

Prof. Norris urged private business leaders and state owned entities to participate in work integrated programmes, adding that they have the opportunity to gain access to a pool of enthusiastic and potentially skilled talents.

He proposed that instead of four years of theory, students should have one year in the real world to gain the necessary experience, and that employers would not lament that graduates were not ready for the real world.

Prof. Norris said work integrated learning would assist them to align their curriculum for the employability of their graduates. ENDS