AI vs. Originality: Former Lawmaker Cautions Students on the Perils of AI-Written Projects

The debate over the role of artificial intelligence in education has taken center stage as a former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, issued a stern warning to students against using AI tools to write their academic projects. The senator, who is also the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), delivered his caution during the 12th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Addressing a gathering of students, academics, and alumni, Bashiru acknowledged the transformative potential of technology but was quick to highlight its misuse in the academic sphere. “Technology must be harnessed responsibly,” he stated. “On the education sector, the misuse of Artificial Intelligence is worrisome. Students are now using AI to write their academic projects. The emotional and human touch of scholarship cannot be replaced by machines.” He argued that a reliance on AI could lead to a generation of graduates who lack the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to thrive in the real world.

The warning from the ex-lawmaker is not an isolated one but rather part of a growing conversation among Nigerian educators. A number of academics have raised concerns about the decline in originality and the increasing difficulty in detecting plagiarism, as students use sophisticated AI tools to generate content. The sentiment is that while AI offers immense opportunities for research and learning, its unchecked use threatens the very foundation of academic integrity.

In response to this emerging challenge, some Nigerian universities are already taking proactive measures. The University of Lagos, for example, has announced its plans to unveil a comprehensive policy on the ethical use of AI in academic activities. According to a senior lecturer, Professor Oboh, the university’s policy aims to “enhance critical thinking rather than fostering plagiarism and academic indolence.” Similarly, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has adopted a policy on AI to address issues related to ethics, data privacy, and authorship.

Experts agree that while it may be impossible to stop students from using AI, the solution lies in teaching them how to use it responsibly. Universities are now tasked with the difficult job of developing curricula and guidelines that balance technological innovation with the need to uphold academic standards. The warning from Senator Bashiru serves as a powerful reminder that while technology can be a powerful tool for learning, it is no substitute for the intellectual hard work and personal dedication required to produce truly original scholarly work.