Artificial Intelligence Meets Igbo Ingenuity: Using Technology to Preserve Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Joy Nkiruka Okeke, Nkeonyere Sylvia Chukwudi
Presentation Date: February 23, 2026 @ 14:17 PM
Tags: Nigeria Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra Artificial Intelligence
Abstract
From time immemorial, the Igbo have been known for their incessant quest for a better life. They stop at nothing to live a fulfilled life. Their creativity has led them to think independently and find innovative solutions to their problems, and they strive to succeed even in difficult situations. Not only are they blessed with a sense of creativity, but they also possess rich, inherent knowledge encompassing all oral traditional wisdom, skills, and cultural understanding passed down from generation to generation. We live in an ever-evolving world where AI has become an essential tool in human communication. This study aims to educate readers on how AI can play a vital role in preserving our Igbo indigenous knowledge rather than viewing it as a threat. The researchers adopted the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) and the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory for this study. Findings reveal that through natural language processing, AI can learn the patterns of the Igbo language - its tone, proverbs, idioms, and their figurative expressions. It can then help build innovative translation tools, chatbots, and learning applications that teach the language to children and non-speakers globally.
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