The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, represented by Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, participated in the 1st Annual Conference of the College of Education, University of Calabar, on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The conference, themed “The Human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership: Navigating the Future of Education, Work, and Society,” convened academics and key stakeholders to explore how AI is reshaping the global learning ecosystem.
Presenting on behalf of the Commissioner, Mrs. Offiong highlighted the transformative role of AI in education. Senator Odey noted that intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, chatbots, and virtual reality are enhancing personalized learning, promoting inclusive access, and strengthening institutional efficiency. He encouraged educators to harness human creativity and emotional intelligence alongside emerging technologies to drive improved learning outcomes.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education in Cross River State, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, was honoured with an Award of Recognition by the University of Calabar.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi, Professor Imo Obot, Professor Idongesit E. Eteng, and other distinguished scholars and education leaders.
The event concluded with a strong call for deeper collaboration between government, academia, and technology innovators to accelerate sustainable growth in the education sector through AI-driven innovation.