The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) has called for the strategic and complementary use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to enhance teaching and research in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Coordinator, OWSD Umudike branch, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, during the 2025 Lecture Series held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, stating that it is critical to education sector.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka Coordinator, OWSD Umudike branch, making her speech at the event recently.
The Professor of Soil Science, emphasized that AI is designed to optimize human work, not eliminate jobs — countering common misconceptions about its potential impact on employment.
She explained that the aim of the seminar was to guide OWSD members on how best to integrate AI and digital tools with human capabilities for more effective academic and research outcomes.
Prof. Olayinka Nwachukwu National Coordinator, OWSD Nigeria, making her remark at the event.
Contributing, the National Coordinator, OWSD Nigeria, Prof. Olayinka Nwachukwu, lauded the Umudike branch for organizing the timely lecture series, noting that the initiative would not only boost efficiency in education but also offer practical solutions to challenges in various sectors.
While advocating for widespread adoption of AI tools, she stressed the importance of responsible and ethical use.
Dr. Flora Ebaimoh Mukah The keynote speaker, making her presentation at the event.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled: “Leveraging AI for Teaching and Research – Practical and Effective Use of ChatGPT and Google Forms”, Dr. Flora Ebaimoh Mukah described AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement for lecturers.
She described AI as the simulation of human intelligence in machines, which, when combined with human effort, can significantly enhance outcomes.
Dr. Mukah identified several applications of AI in academia, including teaching, data analysis, writing assistance, automated research support, and coding.
She also highlighted the usefulness of Google Forms in data collection, quiz creation, feedback gathering, and attendance tracking.
She urged ethical usage of AI tools, calling on the older generation to embrace emerging technologies as well.
According to her, tools like ChatGPT save time, improve efficiency, and boost accuracy — provided users input high-quality prompts, as the output depends on the quality of the input.
Dr. Mukah also emphasized ChatGPT’s relevance in teaching, research support, brainstorming, language translation, and administrative tasks, asserting that AI should be seen as a complementary asset rather than a threat.
In her vote of thanks, Deputy Coordinator of the Umudike OWSD branch, Prof. Judith Simoyan, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Prof. Chiedozie Ngozi Egesi, for fostering a supportive environment for women and girls in science.
She also applauded Prof. Onwuka for her visionary leadership, reaffirming the branch’s commitment to promoting the participation of women and girls in science through the effective use of all available tools, including AI.
