By Mustafa Abubakar
The Postgraduate Students’ Association (POGSASS), University of Ilorin, in collaboration with KBA Consults, has organised a three-day Research Capacity-Building Workshop aimed at enhancing the research competencies of postgraduate students and early-career researchers.
The workshop, which held last Tuesday and Wednesday (January 20 and 21, 2026), took place across selected venues on the University campus and attracted participants from various Faculties, alongside members of the POGSASS executive council.
Speaking at the event, a research consultant from the KBA Consults, Mr Akano Mustapha, said the training was designed to equip participants with contemporary research skills and deepen their understanding of the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic work.
He explained that AI tools could significantly improve literature search, data analysis and academic writing when properly applied, but cautioned that misuse could undermine originality and academic integrity.
He, therefore, urged participants to see AI as a supportive research assistant rather than a replacement for critical thinking.
Earlier in his address, the Convener of the programme, Mr Abdulkhalid Bolarin Abdulsalam, explained that the workshop focused on core research skills, academic writing, proper referencing, and the ethical application of AI tools in scholarly works.
He said participants were trained on the responsible use of platforms such as ChatGPT, SciSpace, ChatPDF and Microsoft Copilot, with strong emphasis on avoiding plagiarism and upholding the principles of academic integrity.
In his remarks, the President of POGSASS, Hakeen Abiodun Kuranga, commended the organisers and facilitators for their commitment to building the research capacity of postgraduate students, describing the workshop as timely and relevant in an era of rapid technological advancement in the academia.
He added that the Association would continue to support initiatives that promote quality research and global best practices among its members.
The facilitators also took participants through practical demonstrations on how AI-powered platforms could be deployed for literature review, summarisation of scholarly articles, citation management and research organisation.
They explained that, when properly guided, these tools could help researchers save time, refine arguments and improve clarity of expression, while still ensuring that ideas remain original and well-attributed to credible sources.
They further stressed the importance of critical digital literacy, urging participants to always verify AI-generated outputs, cross-check information with peer-reviewed sources and adhere strictly to institutional and international ethical standards.
According to them, sound knowledge of AI would not only enhance research productivity but also prepare postgraduate students for the evolving global academic environment where technology and scholarship increasingly intersect.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, one of the participants, Mrs Grace David Makanjuola, said the workshop improved her awareness of ethical research practices, enhanced her academic writing skills and deepened her understanding of how to integrate AI tools responsibly into scholarly works, thereby underscoring the overall success of the programme.
