Varsity VC urges ethical use of artificial intelligence in academia
- Bingham University VC advocates for ethical AI adoption in academia for responsible technological integration
- AI's role in education emphasizes human enhancement, not replacement, says Faculty Dean
- International training initiative launched to improve AI skills across African universities while ensuring ethical use
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The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Haruna Ayuba, has urged academics and students to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly, stressing that technological innovation must be guided by ethics, human values and moral principles.
Ayuba made the call during a postgraduate training programme organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of Bingham University in collaboration with the Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Faculty of Philology, RUDIN University, Russia.
Source: Original
Ethical AI critical to the future of education
The Vice-Chancellor described the partnership as a reflection of Bingham University’s commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration, noting that it promotes knowledge sharing, capacity building and the responsible application of emerging technologies.
“In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the integration of ethical AI in academic research and writing, along with innovative digital pedagogy, has become essential for shaping the future of higher education,” he said.
Ayuba noted that artificial intelligence has become a routine feature within academic spaces, adding that its growth must remain fair, transparent, accountable and respectful of human rights.
“If academicians can minimise harm, prevent bias, protect privacy and promote fairness and accountability in AI applications, we would have won a major battle,” he added.
AI extends human capacity, says faculty dean
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Desmond Okocha, said artificial intelligence now plays a significant role across multiple sectors, particularly education, which he described as the bedrock of societal development.
He observed that most conversations around AI focus on a small fraction of its ecosystem, urging scholars to gain a broader understanding of its structure, tools, benefits and legal implications.
“AI has come to stay, but it will never replace humans. It will only extend the capacity of humans to function within their environment,” Okocha said.
He added that AI could be applied at different stages of academic work, including idea development, research processes, assignments and dissertations.
International training targets African universities
Also speaking, an Associate Professor at RUDIN University, Mustapha Jamiu, said the programme forms part of a scholarship-based short course aimed at strengthening the skills of staff and students in African universities.
According to him, the initiative, which began in 2023, is being hosted by eight universities across Nigeria within a few weeks.
“The fact is that AI is here to stay. We cannot stop students from using it. The only thing we need to do is to work with it as a tool of this era,” Jamiu said.
Warning against misuse and academic complacency
In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Digital Divide and Social Informatics at Kaduna State University, Ayodele Joseph, cautioned that while AI offers significant benefits, misuse could encourage academic laziness.
“There’s nothing bad about using AI, but it should be done ethically. Students should know how to use AI and not allow AI to use them,” he said.
Joseph advised students and researchers to verify information generated by AI tools and ensure that their academic outputs remain original, accurate and intellectually rigorous.
Source: Legit.ng
