Ex-Lawmaker Cautions Students Against Using AI for Academic Projects

Former lawmaker and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has warned students against relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to write their academic projects, stressing that such practices threaten the integrity of education.

Basiru issued the warning while delivering the 12th Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Lecture organized by the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State branch. His lecture, titled “Tech Governance in 2025: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility,” examined the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies in education, governance, and society.

While acknowledging the transformative impact of AI, Basiru argued that overdependence on technology undermines the intellectual rigor and originality that academic work demands.

> “The emotional and human touch of scholarship cannot be replaced by machines,” he said. “Students must understand that AI should serve as a tool, not a substitute for critical thinking and genuine research.”

The former lawmaker also urged universities to emphasize ethical use of technology, warning that misuse in academic settings could erode standards and diminish the value of degrees.

Beyond education, Basiru addressed Nigeria’s democratic system, commending the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a step toward transparency but cautioning against hasty adoption of electronic voting without proper infrastructure, cybersecurity, and voter literacy in place.

He further highlighted the dangers of misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity breaches, stressing the need for proactive governance to safeguard national security and public trust.

Basiru concluded by urging policymakers, educators, and students to strike a balance between innovation and responsibility, ensuring that technology strengthens society rather than weakens its foundations.