Use Al ethically, Mustapha urges students

By Mustfa Abubakar and Abubakar Abdulquadri

The Director of General Studies (GNS), University of Ilorin, Prof. Lambe Kayode Mustapha, has charged students to be ethical in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying that it should be used to enhance creativity and innovation in their chosen careers.

Prof. Mustapha gave the charge last Sunday (January 18, 2026) while delivering a lecture, titled “The Intelligent Application of Artificial Intelligence”, organised by Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi Media Outreach Programme to mark the 59th birthday of the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences at the Secretariat of the Kwara State Branch of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations,Ilorin.

The Director of GNS explained the philosophical foundation of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that human beings, by nature, want peace or strive now and then to ensure that the way of doing things is made easier. He said that tendency informed  the development of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He highlighted that AI is a big deal to the generation of today’s students, stating that with the aid of Android devices, students can get their assignments done easily. He observed that opportunity is now resonating with the present  generation.

Prof. Mustapha stated that AI is a field of Computer Science that focuses on creating machines capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. He stressed that AI can be used by students to perform several tasks, including learning, reasoning, understanding language, perception, and decision-making, and adapting to new situations.

He added that AI can assist students in personalising learning, offering them personalised tutoring, and getting the desired information they want without necessarily being in the classroom. He noted that the benefits of Artificial Intelligence were not restricted to students in an academic environment alone but cover all aspects of life and depend on individual choice and how it is being used.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for  Tertiary Education in Kwara State, Mrs Sa’adat Modibbo Kawu,noted that for youths, Artificial Intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to bridge gaps in education, enhance creativity, and compete favourably on the global stage. She noted that from personalised learning platforms to intelligent research tools, AI can democratise access to quality education, empower innovation, and equip young people with the digital skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Mrs Kawu advised that as we embrace Artificial Intelligence, we must do so with purpose and responsibility. She urged Nigerians that AI should not replace human intelligence but complement it, enabling the youth to think better, create more, and solve real societal challenges.

In her remarks, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS), Dr Priscilla  Ayooluwa Jacob, described the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Abdulbaqi, as a mother, a hardworking and intelligent good leader who has foresight, noting that one unique thing about her is that she always likes to bring out the good in anybody she interacts with.

Speaking earlier, the Ag. Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Patrick Udende, appreciated the convener for bringing together students and professionals from various fields to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence, (AI).

He commended Prof.  Abdulbaqi for her outstanding contributions as he described her as a dedicated academic who is leaving no stone unturned and truly deserves the best.

Dr Udende further charged the participants to make good use of every opportunity to learn at any gathering they find themselves, stressing that competition is not only about winning but about the knowledge and experience gained in the process.

In his goodwill message, the Ag. Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, Dr Musediq Tunji Bashorun, described Prof. Abdulbaqi as a good colleague in the Faculty, who has made a positive impact on many lives.

On his part, Dr Rasak Adisa of  the Department of Mass Communication, said his relationship with Prof. Abdulbaqi started in 1989 at Bayero University Kano and cannot be denied up to the time he joined them in the Faculty at the University of Ilorin. He described her as a good pillar who always offers good advice to people in the Faculty and competes with other staff like a man.

In her remarks, Prof. Abdulbaqi, expressed her deep appreciation to the organisers of the programme and also to those who have made some contributions to make her birthday a successful celebration.

Prof. Abdulbaqi specifically extended her appreciation to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, who, despite her tight schedule, particularly on Sunday, found time to celebrate her, saying that she is looking forward to a time when she would be celebrating with everyone of them.

At the end of the Quiz and Spelling Bee Competition, which was also featured at the event, a student of the Department of Mass Communication, Joseph Daniel Omotayo came first and was  awarded a cash prize of ₦10,000 while Oni Michael Ololade, also of the Department  came second with a cash prize   of ₦7,500.