A Professor of Linguistics at the University of Ibadan, Francis Egbokhare, has warned against over-reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that the world’s biggest challenges are “humanistic, not technological.”
Egbokhare gave the warning on Wednesday in Benin while delivering the keynote lecture at the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin (UNIBEN).
He argued that while technology has its place, it cannot replace human values, philosophy, and cultural wisdom in shaping society.
“The modern human crises are not scientific problems. They are humanistic problems. They will not be solved by technological inventions but only through ideological restructuring,” he said.
The linguist stressed that ignoring the humanities in the age of AI was a grave mistake.
“We cannot talk about technology without talking about human beings who consume it. To forget the humans themselves and go ahead is evidence that human civilization is collapsing,” he warned.
Egbokhare dismissed claims that AI would surpass human capacity.
“Anything that is created is artificial. You are also somebody’s AI – maybe God’s AI. Machines cannot replace human consciousness, values, or empathy,” he maintained.
He further cautioned that outsourcing too much to machines could weaken critical thinking and creativity.
“The world needs new eyes and new thinking, not only new gadgets. And those new eyes are humanistic eyes,” he added.
Earlier, UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Edobo Omoregie, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Victor Igbineweka, hailed the Faculty of Arts as the “intellectual and cultural heartbeat” of the university.
He said the 50th anniversary was a celebration of legacies, scholarship, and cultural heritage, urging current scholars to pursue greater heights in research, innovation, and community service.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Osadolor Benin, said the faculty had consistently led scholarship, preserved cultural identity, and shaped society with creativity and vision.
The golden jubilee featured cultural performances, a book launch, alumni homecoming, awards, and a luncheon.
