Scholars have warned against the over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology, particularly in scholarly writings, stating that machines must not replace human beings.
This was the position of a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Idowu Olayinka; the immediate past Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Josiah Ajiboye; the UI Postgraduate College Provost, Prof. Ayo Ogunjuyigbe; and other scholars at the university during an interdisciplinary discourse organised by the Postgraduate College in honour of its former Dean, Prof. Olabode Lucas, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The lecture, which took place at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre of the university, was attended by renowned scholars, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba; the Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu; Prof. Femi Osofisan; Prof. Olakunbi Olasope; and many others.
The event featured a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Olayinka, titled “Integrating the Past with the Present for Efficient Administration of the University System.”
The former UI Vice-Chancellor, while speaking on the theme, said that the problem of poor funding in federal universities would persist unless the government increased budget allocations for education.
The Professor of Applied Geophysics emphasised that AI would not replace human thinking, maintaining that AI was a tool devised by humans and should be used to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Olayinka said: “AI is supposed to be a tool, and is made up of machines which are designed by human beings. The software, hardware and coding are designed by human beings and cannot therefore replace human beings. AI and technology are supposed to help us, not to replace man. Critical thinking and innovativeness are very important. AI and technology are not supposed to replace human thinking.”
After the lecture, a three-member panel consisting of Professors Francis Egbokhare, Josiah Ajiboye, and Aina Adeogun discussed the theme “Leveraging Technology to Transform Postgraduate Education in Africa.”
Speaking, Adeogun, a professor in the Department of Zoology, said that academics and students must use technology and AI responsibly.
Adeogun said: “Technology and AI must be used with caution. AI cannot do everything. Technology cannot do everything. But, before we use technology, we must tackle the problem of power in Nigeria. Technology can only improve what we do and who we are. Technology opens up new possibilities but there are drawbacks. Let’s use AI with a lot of caution.”
Similarly, Egbokhare of the Faculty of Arts stated that academics and students should not place too much reliance on technology and AI.
Egbokhare said: “Technology must facilitate productivity. There is a problem of overdependence on technology and AI. You have to use it in a way that it will not put too much burden on the end users.”
In his remarks, Ajiboye of the Faculty of Education noted that technology had transformed every aspect of life, including education.
Ajiboye said: ”Technology has come to revolutionise what we do, including education. We have to rethink how we train our students. 21st-century and competent skills are very important. Technology will not replace teachers, but teachers who don’t know how to use technology will be replaced by those that know how to use it.
“Africa has to catch up with what is happening in the world in terms of technology and infrastructure to improve the quality of education in our schools. The rest of the world is not waiting for us. We have to take a lot of cautions and precautions to select the kind of technology we have to use.
“Universities must focus on skills and competence. As we are introducing our children to technology, some countries are reintroducing books.
“Bring back our books because their children do not read anymore. It has its own negative sides; we must do it with caution. So, we should also address the issue of power. Technology and AI have brought significant changes, but too much dependence is dangerous.”
Ajiboye also described Prof. Lucas as an institution in the university who deserved to be celebrated.
“Prof. Lucas is an institution in this university. He has proven his mettle. Olabode Lucas at 80 is something we should all celebrate. We thank PG College for organising this programme,” Ajiboye said.
On his part, the Provost, Prof. Ogunjuyigbe, commended the contributions and dedication of Prof. Lucas during his tenure as Dean of the postgraduate school. He also cautioned students against the wholesale use of AI in their academic work.
“Prof. Lucas was a Dean and worked hard in changing the landscape of the postgraduate school. He is one of our living ancestors, and we have to celebrate him.
“The landscape of postgraduate education is changing every time. That is why we are bringing the topic for our people to see the dimensions of things. Meeting our students does not have to be physical. What stops me from meeting the students on Google Meet or Zoom, and keeping them on chats? That is what we are bringing into postgraduate education.
“On the use of technology, students should be themselves. If they consult AI, they must put themselves into the writing. They must be cautious in using AI,” the provost said.
In response, Prof. Lucas expressed gratitude to those who attended the event in his honour.
The octogenarian also shared his thoughts on the role of technology, saying: “We should prepare for technology and Artificial Intelligence. You cannot use technology without power.”
He further emphasised the need to maintain the high standards for which the Postgraduate College is renowned.
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