The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun state, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, has warned researchers against over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to conduct research.
Babalola gave the warning while delivering his keynote address at the Postgraduate Conference of Redeemer’s University in Ede.
He spoke on the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Research and Development: Prospects and Challenges for Academia and Industry.”
The VC said that over-reliance on AI in research could lead to laziness, skill loss, increased job displacement, lack of creativity, absence of empathy, AI terrorism, and breach of privacy.
Babalola, however, said that AI contributions to research in the area of automation, data analysis, and pattern recognition could not be over-emphasised.
He encouraged participants at the conference to embrace AI’s potential without losing human creativity, adding that despite the numerous benefits associated with AI, nothing can surpass human ingenuity.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrack Akindele urged participants at the conference to adapt to the evolving trends.
Akindele, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, urged researchers not to rely entirely on AI “because nothing can beat what God has created”.
“As the trend keeps changing, we must keep moving, but do not lose sight of your talents, even as AI becomes an increasingly dominant force in research and industry”, he said.
Also, the Provost, of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Redeemer’s University, Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, said 308 participants attended the conference.
Olalere said that the large number of participants at the conference showed the importance of the trend of artificial intelligence in the world.
NAN
