Proposed Hekima University Welcomes Prof. Tad Gonsalves SJ, on Data Science and COIL Programs
By Francis Ogutu
In a significant move to bolster outreach in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence across East Africa and beyond, the proposed Hekima University (PHU) recently hosted Prof. Tad Gonsalves, SJ a distinguished scholar from Sophia University in Japan. Specializing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Prof. Gonsalves, a member of the Society of Jesus from the Japan Province, visited Hekima University as part of ongoing efforts to establish transformative collaborations between PHU and Sophia University. His visit culminated in a pivotal meeting on August 6th, 2024.
Prof. Gonsalves, recognized as a leading figure in the intersection of technology and education, engaged in comprehensive discussions with the staff and management of the proposed Hekima University. Central to these discussions was the future introduction of a Data Science program at Hekima University, set to become one of the flagship degree offerings once the university is fully operational. The meeting primarily focused on creating a partnership through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program, designed to infuse global perspectives into the educational experience at Hekima and across Africa.
The COIL program, originally developed at Sophia University, has successfully fostered academic partnerships among several leading Japanese universities, including Kyoto University, Waseda University, Osaka University, Hosei University, and Meiji University. Now poised for global expansion, the program is set to incorporate a wide range of disciplines, offering both scientific and non-scientific perspectives on Artificial Intelligence and its future societal impacts. During the discussion, Prof. Gonsalves detailed the program’s structure, emphasizing its interdisciplinary approach and potential to introduce diverse viewpoints in conversations surrounding AI and data science.
The Hekima University team was given a thorough overview of the COIL program, including its curriculum, requirements, and potential benefits. A dynamic Q&A session followed, where faculty members raised insightful questions regarding the program’s implementation and its integration into the university’s existing academic framework. Prof. Gonsalves assured the team that he would convey these inquiries to his colleagues at Sophia University for further consideration and refinement.
In addition to the COIL program, broader opportunities for collaboration were discussed, including the potential involvement of other Jesuit institutions in the region, such as Hekima University College (HUC) and Arrupe Jesuit University. The idea of extending this collaboration to these institutions was met with enthusiasm, highlighting a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities throughout East Africa.
Both Prof. Gonsalves and the university representatives expressed their excitement about the collaboration between the Eastern Africa Province and the Japan Province. This partnership is seen as a critical step in fostering stronger academic bonds and enhancing educational outreach, particularly with the forthcoming establishment of Hekima University in Molo, Kenya, to serve the Eastern Africa region.
This proposed collaboration heralds a promising future for academic partnerships that not only advance technology but also deeply consider the ethical and societal implications of AI. The proposed Hekima University is eager to continue these productive discussions and looks forward to playing a pivotal role in the global discourse on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Data Science program is set to be a cornerstone of the university’s academic offerings once it becomes fully operational.
If all goes as planned, the COIL program is expected to launch in the spring of 2025. Additionally, on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, Prof. Gonsalves will deliver a three-hour session on “The Paradox of AI” for trainees at the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) campus.
