Former lawmaker cautions students against using AI to do academic projects

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, has raised concern over the growing trend of students relying on Artificial Intelligence tools to write their academic projects, warning that the development threatens the originality and human depth of scholarship.

Bashiru, a former lawmaker, stated this while delivering the keynote lecture at the 12th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture organised by the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch.

Speaking on the theme “Tech Governance in 2025: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility,” Bashiru, who is an alumnus of UNILAG, said while digital technology was reshaping education, governance, and society, its misuse was also fuelling cybercrime, misinformation, and academic dishonesty.

He said, “Technology must be harnessed responsibly. While it enhances efficiency, innovation without regulation could undermine democracy, compromise security, and widen social inequalities.

“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. Responsible use of technology must begin in our classrooms.”

On Nigeria’s electoral system, he praised the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System but warned against rushing into full electronic voting without addressing infrastructural, literacy, and cybersecurity gaps

“Any responsible government must not sacrifice electoral credibility for the speed of technology. Rushing e-voting into our system without adequate preparation would be reckless,” he said.

He further cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and deepfakes on social media, stressing that governments must strike a balance between innovation and responsibility to protect national security and citizen welfare.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN), noted that while technology had widened access to knowledge, it had also created avenues for abuse, hence the need for stronger governance of digital tools.

Chairman of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Adedeji Owoeye, highlighted the association’s contributions to the university, including raising over ₦20m for departmental needs and donating 420 eyeglasses to staff and students.

Other speakers included the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Kayode Oladele, and former UNILAG Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Surajudeen Bashiru.

The annual lecture, inaugurated 12 years ago, honours the late Prof. Aderokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, a former Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG celebrated for his academic excellence and service to the institution.