Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Professor Haruna Ayuba, has tasked academic staff and postgraduate students to engage in the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in their academic research work and writing.
Prof. Ayuba stated this recently at a two-day training programme for postgraduate students and academic staff jointly organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of Bingham University and the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia, reports Saturday Independent.
He explained that in this 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.
According to him, “The use of Artificial Intelligence technologies is becoming the norm within the academic community, we must strive to ensure that the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems align with moral principles and values.
“We must ensure that AI technologies are designed and operated responsibly, fairly, transparently, and with respect for human rights.”
The Vice Chancellor noted that a major battle would have been won if the academia could minimise harm, prevent bias, protect privacy, and promote fairness and accountability in Al applications in the areas of scientific research, training and writing.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired and insights gained during the training programme would significantly contribute to the development of ethical, effective, and progressive academic practices in the institutions of higher learning.
While commending the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media studies, Bingham University, Professor Desmond Okocha, and the Dean, Faculty of Philology at RUDN University, for organising the programme, Ayuba said, “This collaborative initiative exemplifies the spirit of academic excellence and international cooperation that can foster a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the promotion of responsible use of emerging technologies.”
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Desmond Okocha, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, underscored the role of AI in education and various sectors of human endeavour.
Okocha pointed out that the conversations around AI usually address less than 10 per cent of its entire ecosystem.
He therefore urged scholars and participants to gain a deeper understanding of its structure, tools, benefits and legal dimensions.
He noted that AI could be applied in different phases of academic research and writing, adding that it has to be used ethically and responsibly.
Okocha further stated that AI has come to stay, adding that “it will never replace humans. It will only extend the capacity of humans to function within their environment.”
In his lecture, Associate Prof. Mustapha Jamiu, Department of Mass Communication, RUDN University, Russia, said academic integrity is not threatened by the evolution of AI but rather by how it is used.
Jamiu stated that the core principles of honesty, transparency, responsibility and accountability should guide scholars in the use of AI in research and writing.
According to him, “what changes is how these principles are applied in AI-supported research and writing.”
He enumerated the ethical use of AI, such as refining language, grammar, or style in a paragraph; brainstorming initial research topics, keywords and headings; summarising a long, published paper after reading the full text as well as organising or formatting a reference list in APA style, among others.
On the unethical use of AI, the Guest Lecturer cautioned scholars to desist from generating entire sections of their Theses using AI; asking AI to analyse data or interpret findings; using AI to create citations or references without verifying sources, existence or accuracy as well as submitting AI-generated content as original work without significant revision, critical engagement and proper attribution.
In his remarks, Professor Ayodele Joseph, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Kaduna State University, observed that while AI has some benefits, it also has the ability to make scholars intellectually lazy when misused.
He said: “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 reiterated the need for scholars to verify information generated by AI tools and ensure that their academic research and writing remain original and accurate.
The two-day training programme, which brought together academic staff and postgraduate students from Bingham University and other universities, broadly focused on “Implementing Ethical AI in Academic Research and Writing as well as Entrepreneurial Journalism in Algorithmic Systems.”
