CUEA Communications Director-"AI Cannot Put a Stop on Education"
Education Updated: 29 October 2025 16:04 EAT
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tertiary education is a dynamic field, one that Dr. Gitonga Muriithi, Director of Communications at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), believes higher education institutions must embrace strategically.
Dr. Muriithi, while appearing for an interview on the Signs TV Breakfast Show, asserts that AI, while transformative, cannot put a stop to the continuous process of higher education.
He views AI as one of many digital innovations with diverse applications, whose ultimate value is determined entirely by the user's intent and ethical application.
AI, Dr. Muriithi noted, is already being utilized across various sectors for commerce and problem-solving.
He offered an analogy to stress its practical utility: "AI, being one of the digital innovations with different facets, people are utilizing it to make money. It depends on what purpose you are using it for. For instance, in agriculture, how can AI help you improve it, given that we have analytics?"
He emphasized that higher education must strategically focus on three main aspects to positively utilize AI: digital innovation, ethical leadership, and global cooperation. He warned that using AI maliciously can easily lead to trouble, particularly in areas concerning global cooperation and academic integrity.
Beyond technology, Dr. Muriithi highlighted a fundamental challenge facing the education system and society: sustaining meaningful conversations with the youth.
Referencing a recent CUEA graduation, he noted the impatience and anxiety among students: "During their graduation, students wanted to ask, 'What next for them after graduation?' They are impatient because nobody is talking. The reaction from Gen Z shows we have lost sustainability in our conversations."
He praised CUEA's commitment to community engagement, stating that they strive for real-time connection, moving beyond mere ceremonial attendance to genuinely listen to what young people are doing.
Dr. Muriithi concluded with a vital call for increased parental presence and guidance, stressing that educational success and sustainability are holistic issues that cannot be solved by universities alone.
Watch this conversation at https://youtu.be/CiMmOqH9OP4 and https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14NPQPv7UDS/
Tags: CUEA Education Ministry Artificial Intellegence Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
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