Federal University of Education Zaria Ag. VC Attends Maiden Students' Workshop on Artificial Intelligence
In his address, the Ag. Vice Chancellor commended the students for selecting such a timely and relevant topic. He noted that the workshop reflected their commitment to staying ahead of technological trends and fostering academic innovation.
Binye-lum 
Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, attended the maiden Students' Workshop themed "Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Tool or Weapon?" The workshop was organized by the students of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Affiliation Programme.
In his address, the Ag. Vice Chancellor commended the students for selecting such a timely and relevant topic. He noted that the workshop reflected their commitment to staying ahead of technological trends and fostering academic innovation.
He also emphasized the importance of engaging with AI technology, highlighting that it is no longer a futuristic concept but a transformative force already shaping the present. He encouraged both students and lecturers to stay abreast of technological advancements, as AI is increasingly becoming a core component of various professions and academic requirements.
While acknowledging the significant benefits of AI in enhancing efficiency, learning, and research, he cautioned against over-reliance on the technology. He urged students to view AI as a useful tool for academic tasks like studying and information gathering but stressed that it should not replace critical thinking or creativity. He also expressed concerns about the impact of AI on academic integrity, warning that while AI can be a valuable resource, it also poses risks to originality and intellectual independence.
He expressed concerns that, if misused, AI could undermine creativity and lead to what he called "intellectual colonization," where the ideas and work of others are copied without proper acknowledgment. Dr. Balarabe also urged staff members to familiarize themselves with AI technologies to better detect instances of plagiarism or improper use by students. He concluded by reflecting on the dual nature of AI as both an opportunity and a challenge, acknowledging its immense potential to revolutionize various sectors but stressing the need for caution and urging the academic community to be vigilant about its ethical implications and the risks it poses to creativity, intellectual, and academic integrity.
