Bowen University VC warns against over-reliance on artificial intelligence for research

Prof. Jonathan Babalola, the Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, has warned researchers against over-reliance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in conducting research.

Babalola, gave the warning while delivering a keynote address at the Redeemer’s University Postgraduate Conference in Ede.

He spoke on the theme” Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Research and Development: Prospects and Challenges for Academia and Industry”.

Babalola 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.

The VC, however, said that AI contributions to research in the area of automation, data analysis, and pattern recognition could not be over-emphasised.

Babalola 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, Prof. Shadrack Akindele, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, urged participants at the conference to adapt to the evolving trends.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, Akindele 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, Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, the provost, college of postgraduate studies, said 308 participants attended the conference.

Olalere said that the large number of participants at the conference shows the importance in the trend of artificial intelligence in the world.