Speaker
Description
Agbasi, O. E.
Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi
agbasi.okechukwu@gmail.com
Track: Digital Pedagogy and Teaching Innovation
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are transforming geoscientific investigation, data interpretation and environmental decision-making. However, their systematic integration into geoscience education across African universities remains limited by inadequate digital infrastructure, restricted access to specialised software and datasets, insufficient staff training and the slow adaptation of university curricula. This paper proposes a practical framework for integrating AI, GIS and remote sensing into undergraduate and postgraduate geoscience education in Africa. The study adopts a conceptual and integrative approach, drawing on developments in digital pedagogy, geospatial technologies and AI-assisted geoscience applications. The proposed framework comprises five interconnected components: curriculum redesign, competency-based practical training, digital infrastructure development, academic staff capacity building and institutional partnerships. It recommends embedding geospatial data processing, satellite-image interpretation, machine learning, spatial modelling and responsible AI use within geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, environmental science and petroleum geoscience programmes. The framework further promotes the use of open-source software, cloud-based geospatial platforms, virtual laboratories and locally relevant datasets to reduce technological and financial barriers. Successful implementation would enable students to develop industry-relevant digital competencies while strengthening their capacity to address groundwater scarcity, natural hazards, environmental degradation, mineral exploration, climate change and sustainable resource management. The paper concludes that coordinated investment in infrastructure, curriculum reform, staff development and university–industry collaboration is essential for creating inclusive, innovative and future-ready geoscience education systems in Africa.