A Professor of Computer Science at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Dipo Akomolafe, has argued that the Yoruba Ifa oracle represents Africa's indigenous model of Artificial Intelligence, urging governments to invest in research rooted in local knowledge systems.
Akomolafe made the assertion while delivering the university's 13th inaugural lecture titled, "From Wandering to Wisdom: Breaking the Cycle of Intelligence Blindness," where he also called on the Federal Government to provide greater support for indigenous research and ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions.
The computer scientist said although the world now has unprecedented access to information through digital technologies, Nigeria continues to suffer from what he described as "intelligence blindness," where valuable knowledge exists but is neglected or poorly utilised.
According to him, the inability to harness available knowledge has continued to fuel poor decision-making, policy failures and repeated mistakes despite the abundance of information.
Akomolafe traced the roots of modern computing to African traditional knowledge, maintaining that the binary logic used in computer programming shares similarities with the structure of the Ifa divination system.
He explained that the Opele divination chain operates on a binary pattern comparable to the zero-and-one coding system used in computing, arguing that the framework demonstrates Africa's long-standing contribution to knowledge that underpins modern digital technology.
The professor further contended that the principles embedded in the Ifa corpus laid the foundation for technological innovations seen today, including computers, mobile devices and Artificial Intelligence.
He, however, expressed concern over the poor implementation of research outcomes in Nigeria, lamenting that huge public funds invested annually in research through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund rarely translate into practical development.
Akomolafe urged the Federal, state and local governments to prioritise investment in indigenous research and ensure that innovations from universities are deployed to address challenges in education, security, agriculture and industrial development.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, said the inaugural lecture underscored that Artificial Intelligence was not entirely foreign to Africa but had deep roots in indigenous knowledge systems.
He called on government at all levels to support the development of home-grown AI technologies, saying such investment would promote innovation and contribute to national development.
The inaugural lecture was attended by academics, traditional rulers, students, members of staff, family members, friends and other invited guests.
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