Events

Caleb University Hosts 8th Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Foluke Dada Delivers Insightful Talk on Technology and Human Rights

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 28, 2024

News Views: 187

The 8th inaugural lecture at Caleb University, featuring Professor Foluke Dada, was a distinguished event held on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The theme of the lecture, “Technology and Human Rights – AI in the Context of Bias, Injustice, and Discrimination,” highlighted significant concerns about the ethical implications of technological advancements.

officials in view

The event began shortly after 10 am, led by a procession of Caleb University’s principal officers which includes the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie; Deputy Vice Chancellors for Academics, Prof. Sunday Adewale; Research Innovation Strategy and Administration, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia; The Registrar, Mr Mayokun Olumeru, School Librarian, Mr Josiah Adeyomoye.

Concomitantly, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nosa welcomed Professor Dada to the podium and proceeded to read her biography, highlighting her numerous accomplishments both in Nigeria and abroad. He emphasized her significant contributions to academia and praised her impactful research, which has significantly advanced understanding in her field.

The event was graced by an array of notable dignitaries, including His Royal Majesty Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu, the Elere of Ere-Ijesa, and His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Oduneye Odunsanya JP, the Olu of Odosenlu Alaro Kingdom, Ijebu. Oba Adedotun Oduneye, acknowledging Professor Dada’s influence, remarked, “She is a wonderful woman who positively impacts everyone she meets.” In his address, Oba Adedotun praised Professor Dada, highlighting her exceptional qualities and mentioning how she had positively influenced his wife, one of her students. “She is a wonderful woman, not just to my wife, but to everyone she encounters,” he remarked.

Oba Augustine Adenipekun also echoed this sentiment, stating, “I will go to any length to celebrate Professor Dada because her glory is my glory.”

(L-R) Vice Chancellor, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie; Prof. Foluke Dada; His Royal Majesty Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu, the Elere of Ere-Ijesa

The event was also a family affair, with Professor Dada’s mother, Mrs Elizabeth Lawanson, her husband High Chief Adeyinka Dada, and her children, Emmanuella Dada and Jay Ademidayo Dada, in attendance. High Chief Adeyinka Dada spoke fondly of his wife, saying, “She is someone who, when she sets her mind on something, will follow through and ensure it is done rightly. She is committed and passionate about helping people and being the voice for the voiceless.”

Mrs Elizabeth Lawanson (Mother of Prof. Dada)

Her children, Emmanuella and Jay, expressed their pride and best wishes for their mother’s continued success.

In her lecture, Professor Dada eloquently discussed the profound impact of artificial intelligence on human rights, emphasizing the need to address biases and discrimination inherent in AI systems. In an interview with our correspondent, She also shared personal reflections on her journey, acknowledging the challenges she faced balancing professional and personal responsibilities. “It is a miracle to have reached this height,” she said. “For women, balancing roles as mothers, cooks, cleaners, and professionals is particularly challenging, but with perseverance, it is possible. I got to Caleb 2022, I was looking at 2025 but God did it in 2023”

Professor Dada credited her success to divine intervention and the support of notable legal luminaries, including Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN and Chief Afe Babalola SAN. She acknowledged their influence in pushing her beyond her limits when she felt self-sufficient.

In her concluding remarks, Professor Dada encouraged women to continually challenge themselves and strive for excellence, while also recognizing the importance of faith. “Challenge yourself yearly to achieve great feats, but never negate the God factor,” she urged.

After the lecture, the Vice Chancellor inducted Professor Dada and congratulated her on her remarkable achievements and a groundbreaking research. The event concluded with a standing ovation for Professor Dada, whose insightful lecture and inspiring personal journey left a lasting impression on all attendees.