Bingham University trains Postgraduate students on ethical use of AI
University scholars have emphasised the roles played by artificial intelligence in sectors such as education and others. One of the scholars and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. Desmond Okocha, recognised the role played by AI in education, which he described as the foundation of all […]
University scholars have emphasised the roles played by artificial intelligence in sectors such as education and others.
One of the scholars and Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. Desmond Okocha, recognised the role played by AI in education, which he described as the foundation of all other sectors.
Prof. Okocha, who doubles as the Head of Department of Mass Communication of the university, noted that discussions on AI often cover less than 10 per cent of the entire ecosystem.
The university scholar spoke during the opening of a two -day training programme for postgraduate students of the university organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Bingham University, in collaboration with the Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Faculty of Philology, RUDIN University, Russia.
He urged scholars to understand the structure of AI, tools, advantages and legal implications.
Okocha said that AI was not a monolithic application, as it can be used at different stages of academic work, including idea generation, research, assignments and dissertations.
“AI has come to stay, but it will never replace humans. It will only extend the capacity of humans to function within their environment,” he said.
Also speaking, Associate Professor at RUDIN University, Russia, Mustapha Jamiu, said the training was part of a scholarship-based short course designed to upskill staff and students across African universities.
According to him, the programme, which began in 2023, is being hosted by eight universities across Nigeria within a few weeks.
Jamiu explained that the course at Bingham University focused on implementing ethical AI in academic research and writing, targeting postgraduate students and scholars.
“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,” he said.
On his part, the Director, Centre for Digital Divide and Social Informatics, Kaduna State University, Prof. Ayodele Joseph, warned that while AI has benefits, it also risks making scholars lazy if misused.
“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.
He advised students to verify information generated by AI tools and ensure their academic work remains original and accurate.