A professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Lagos State University, Saheed Timehin, has warned students against destroying their creativity by over-relying on Artificial Intelligence in their research and academics.
Timehin spoke as a member of a panel discussion at the retirement ceremony of Prof Olujimi Kayode, held at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, LASU.
Timehin said ethics must remain central in communication training and practice.
He stressed that human intelligence must not be subdued as AI use becomes more widespread in education and communication.
He said, “It should not be compromised. Ethics is personal morality before public morality. It determines what is displayed in public view. Students must not destroy their creativity by over-relying on AI. Conduct your research yourself. Many times, the conclusion you get will be different from the AI submission.”
The panel, themed “The Imperative of Communication Ethics in the Digital Age”, was moderated by Professor of Journalism and Development Communications at LASU, Tunde Akanni.
Also speaking, Acting Dean of Communication at Fountain University, Dr Raheemat Adeniran, noted that while AI is here to stay, its use must be responsible and inclusive.
“AI must be used within its acceptable range. Do not mislead people; let there be full disclosure,” she said.
The Commissioner II of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mr Abiodun Bamigboye, stressed that communication ethics had become even more important in a digital society where information spreads rapidly.
Bamigboye said, “The world is now a global room. We must be guided by ethical principles. Do not post or repost what you don’t have clear information about.”
The retiring Olujimi, a former Head of Department of Journalism, LASU, said retirement would not stop him from teaching, adding that his pride lay in seeing his students succeed as leaders in different fields.
Olujimi said, “I’m retired, but I’m not tired. I will still be teaching, perhaps in law school and in some other private universities as a visiting professor.”
The event also featured tributes from colleagues, mentees, and family members, who described him as a mentor and a generous teacher.
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Jide Jimoh, hailed Olujimi as “a selfless person” who laid the foundation of the faculty, while Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Media Professionals, said he was “a personification of ethics despite challenges.”
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I’ll be sharing this with a few friends.