What happens when students begin to wonder if universities are still necessary? This was one of the questions posed by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Anné Verhoef during a talk for postgraduate students on artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is changing everything,” said Prof Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub and a professor of philosophy. “It is not just about technology. It forces us to ask what makes us human and what skills will matter in the future.”

Organised by the NWU Alumni Office, the event took place on 22 May at the Mahikeng Campus and focused on how AI is reshaping the future of learning, research and work.

Prof Verhoef used the platform to challenge assumptions about the role of higher education in an AI-driven world.

He outlined how AI is now capable of producing text, images, videos and even reasoning through complex problems, and gave examples of how AI is applied in medicine, psychology, engineering and theology, raising questions about the future of human expertise.

“Jobs are disappearing. Others are being created. The key issue is not to fear AI but to work with it,” he said.

Free online course for students now available

To support this transition, the NWU has developed a free online course titled AI for Academic and Career Success. The course is open to all registered students and covers the basics of AI tools, their ethical use and career planning.

The course is designed to promote responsible AI use, Prof Verhoef said. Students will receive a certificate and a career plan once they complete it.

NWU Convocation President Tutu Kgobane encouraged postgraduate students to remain engaged with the university through the Convocation.

“Convocation is the voice of alumni in university matters,” he said at the event. “It is necessary to join because it keeps you connected and informed, and gives you a say in the future of the institution you studied at.”

The NWU AI Hub continues to lead the university’s efforts in promoting ethical, inclusive and practical use of AI through training, policy and academic programmes.

From left are Hloni Putsoane, Prof Anné Verhoef, Relebogile Sekati and Keabetswe Gopane.