Accounting professionals and students are being encouraged to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative methods in their work. This shift aims to make their tasks more effective and productive.
Professor Meshack Ifurueze, who leads the research department at the Centre of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) located at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, made this statement during an international conference aimed at accountants, researchers, and educators at his university over the weekend.
The three-day conference, organized by ANAN in partnership with the university’s Department of Accountancy, focused on the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Disruptive Innovation/Technologies: A Curriculum Change in Accounting Education and Practice.’ During his presentation, Ifurueze emphasized that artificial intelligence could have a major effect on education, research, and development in Nigeria, presenting both new opportunities and challenges.
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He encouraged everyone at the conference to think creatively about how they can update accounting education to include AI and other innovative technologies. This is important because keeping up with these advancements is crucial for staying competitive in the field.
Ifurueze also reminded his audience that the ANAN research center at the university was established by a previous president of the association, Professor Benjamin Osisioma. He reiterated that it’s critical to recognize the profound impact AI can have on various aspects of Nigerian society, including education and research, and that adapting to these changes is necessary.
He urged accounting educators and researchers to integrate artificial intelligence and innovative technologies into their teaching materials. If they neglect to do this, they may find their students unprepared for the job market. He noted, “AI is here to stay, and it is essential for accountants and students to explore the new ideas that come with it and use these to shape their education and practice in accounting.”
Additionally, Ifurueze shared that since the advisory board was formed, the research center has been actively running workshops. These workshops are designed to help postgraduate students and faculty improve their research skills, learn how to write grant proposals, and collaborate in research groups.
Another speaker at the conference, Professor Emma Okoye from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, highlighted that the world is rapidly adopting AI and innovative technologies. He pointed out that all businesses are being influenced by these changes.
Okoye stressed the importance of updating the accounting curriculum to include AI and disruptive technologies. He warned that if educators continue to rely on outdated teaching methods, their students may struggle to find jobs in the future. He encouraged accounting professionals to embrace what is beneficial for current and future generations.
Okoye also mentioned several examples of AI and innovative technologies relevant to accounting, such as lending machines, natural language processing (NLP), and genetic algorithms, which can enhance accounting practices.
