UNILAG To Introduce AI Ethics Policy, Hosts Expert On Higher Education Ethics

UNILAG to Introduce AI Ethics Policy, Hosts Expert on Higher Education Ethics

Introduction

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, is taking a major step toward responsible AI integration in academics. The institution has announced plans to launch a policy document focusing on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. The goal is to encourage critical thinking while preventing academic misconduct such as plagiarism and intellectual laziness.

The announcement was made by Professor Bola Oboh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), during the opening of a three-day workshop on ethics in higher education. The training was led by Professor Russell Porter, a Fulbright Specialist and Deputy Ethics Officer at Texas A&M University, Central Texas, USA. The event was organized by UNILAG’s Office of International Relations, Partnerships, and Prospects (IRPP).

UNILAG’s Commitment to Ethical AI Use

Professor Oboh emphasized the importance of ethics in academia and stated that AI is an inevitable tool in education. However, she stressed that while AI can support research and learning, it must not replace human critical thinking.

She noted that the university has begun developing policies to regulate AI use in academic work. The policy is expected to be presented to the UNILAG Senate for final review and adoption within the next two months.

“Whether we like it or not, AI is already being used by students and lecturers for various academic purposes, including plagiarism detection. However, students must understand that AI should not replace their ability to think and analyze critically. Unethical use of AI—such as blindly copying online content—poses a serious academic integrity issue.” — Professor Oboh

She assured that the upcoming policy would serve as a framework to promote AI-driven intellectual engagement while discouraging academic dishonesty.

AI Ethics: A Global Concern

Professor Russell Porter echoed UNILAG’s position, emphasizing that AI and Machine Learning (ML) ethics have become a global concern. He referenced his previous participation in an AI ethics conference at UNILAG and reiterated the importance of ethical and legal compliance in AI use.

He pointed out that many institutions worldwide are actively researching AI ethics to ensure responsible implementation and avoid violations.

Expert Insights on AI Ethics and Accountability

During one of the workshop sessions, Dr. Babatunde Sawyer, Research Lead at the Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG), UNILAG, addressed AI-related concerns, including:

Accountability – Who is responsible for AI-generated content?
Validity & Reliability – Ensuring AI tools produce accurate and consistent results.
Explainability – Understanding how AI algorithms make decisions.
Security & Privacy – Safeguarding user data from misuse.

The event was hosted at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), UNILAG, with the aim of enhancing faculty members’ ethical awareness in research and service delivery.

The Proactive Ethics Programme (PEP) Initiative

The workshop was part of Professor Porter’s Fulbright scholarship award and was delivered through his Proactive Ethics Programme (PEP). The initiative is designed to equip academic and administrative staff with tools to navigate ethical challenges in higher education.

Through PEP, the training provided frameworks for addressing ethical dilemmas, ensuring that educators, researchers, and students adhere to the highest ethical standards while utilizing AI technologies.

Conclusion

With the unveiling of its AI Ethics Policy, UNILAG is setting a precedent in ensuring responsible AI use in academic environments. By prioritizing critical thinking, research integrity, and ethical awareness, the institution is fostering a learning atmosphere that balances technological advancement with academic excellence.

The AI ethics policy is expected to go live soon, reinforcing UNILAG’s commitment to ethical AI adoption and shaping the future of academic research and learning in Nigeria.