OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING PUBLIC LECTURE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION

OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING PUBLIC LECTURE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION

Latest News / May 19, 2025

A Conversation on the Future of Learning

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) on 15th of May, 2025 held a high-profile public lecture centered on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and training, marking a key milestone in the University’s mission to position itself at the forefront of digital innovation in higher learning.

Embracing AI in Open Education

Prof. Caroline Omulando, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) in her welcoming remarks, underscored the relevance of AI for open and distance learning institutions.

“As an open learning University, it is imperative that we engage with technologies that can broaden access, personalise learning and foster academic innovation,” she said, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to digital transformation.

AI as a Disruptive but Necessary Shift

The Chairperson of the University Council, Prof. Ezra Maritim, provided a strategic overview, describing AI as a "disruptive force that demands a shift in mindset and methodology." He called for deliberate upskilling across the University to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital environment.

AI in Higher Education

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bakari Diallo, founder of Subula Consulting Firm in Vienna, Austria and a seasoned expert in digital education and open educational resources. Drawing from his vast experience across Africa and beyond, Dr. Diallo delved into the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into teaching and learning. His insights sparked enthusiastic engagement from participants, prompting a series of forward-looking commitments from the participants.

Institutional Commitments: Charting the AI Integration Roadmap

Following the lecture, the Open University of Kenya leadership outlined a strategic roadmap to guide the institution’s AI integration efforts. Key initiatives include:

  • Developing a strategic plan for integrating AI into operations and curriculum across all faculties.
  • Organizing a follow-up session with Dr. Diallo to explore targeted areas such as curriculum enhancement, learner support and AI governance.
  • Creating policies on responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT in academic work by both students and faculty.
  • Assessing the University’s infrastructure and training needs to support effective AI deployment.
  • Empowering faculty to use AI in course development and delivery while upholding academic integrity.
  • Drafting an AI implementation roadmap with input from external experts.
  • Addressing ethical and data privacy concerns tied to AI use in academic and administrative contexts.
  • Exploring strategic partnerships with tech institutions and universities to advance AI integration in higher education.
  • Fostering a culture of responsible and informed AI use through ongoing learning forums for staff and students.

A Vision for the Future of Learning

As the event concluded, participants praised the University for spearheading critical conversations on AI and called for more inclusive platforms for innovation in digital learning. With a clear plan taking shape, the Open University of Kenya is set to become a regional leader in applying Artificial Intelligence to transform education access, quality and relevance.

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The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual learning institution deeply committed to advancing education and driving socio-economic growth within Kenya and beyond. Access to higher education has remained a major challenge in Kenya and this has disadvantaged citizens who seek to improve their knowledge, upscale skills and for posterity. Experts have noted that increasing the number of educational institutions so as to match the rate of population growth is an extremely difficult if not impossible solution especially when financial and other resource constraints are considered. Open and Distance Learning approaches, coupled with innovative ICT solutions, have proofed viable alternatives to providing excellent education to millions of people located wherever and whenever by different life circumstances.