UNILAG creates policy on ethical use of AI in academic

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to introduce a policy aimed at ensuring the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic activities.

The university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research, Bola Oboh, announced the development during a three-day workshop on ethics in higher education. The policy is designed to promote critical thinking and prevent unethical practices like plagiarism by providing guidelines on the responsible use of AI tools in academic work.

Oboh emphasized that while AI is an inevitable part of academia, it must be used to support intellectual development rather than replace critical thinking. The policy will ensure that AI tools assist students and faculty without compromising academic integrity.

The workshop, which was led by Fulbright Specialist Russell Porter from Texas A&M University, focused on the growing importance of ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. Porter stressed that universities worldwide must carefully integrate AI into academic work to avoid ethical and legal violations.

UNILAG’s new policy will address these concerns and offer guidance for both students and staff, promoting ethical AI usage while maintaining high academic standards. The university also plans to hold follow-up sessions and virtual training to ensure wide adoption of the policy across all departments.

The university’s initiative reflects its commitment to ensuring that emerging technologies like AI do not disrupt, but rather enhance, the quality of education and research.