UNILAG to unveil AI ethics policy amid rising concerns over plagiarism

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping academia, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is taking a bold step to ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of academic integrity.

Concerned about the rise of plagiarism and academic indolence, the institution is set to unveil a policy document on the ethical use of AI—a move aimed at balancing technological advancement with intellectual rigor.

Speaking on Monday at the opening session of a three-day workshop on ethics in higher education, UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, acknowledged that while AI is now an integral part of academic work, its misuse threatens the core values of learning and research.

“If we say no to AI, we will just be deceiving ourselves,” Oboh remarked. “Whether we like it or not, our students are already using it, and some lecturers are also leveraging it to check for plagiarized work. The key is responsible use—AI should enhance critical thinking, not replace it.”

Oboh revealed that the university has been developing policies to regulate AI usage and is expected to present them to the Senate within the next two months.

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The workshop, facilitated by Prof. Russell Porter, Deputy Ethics Officer at Texas A&M University, Central Texas, USA, and organized by UNILAG’s Office of International Relations, Partnerships, and Prospects, provided a platform to examine the global ethical concerns surrounding AI.

Porter highlighted that across the world, universities are grappling with AI’s impact on research, authorship, and originality. He emphasized that institutions must remain vigilant and adaptable, ensuring that students and faculty members use AI ethically while maintaining the credibility of academic work.

During one of the workshop sessions, Babatunde Sawyer, Research Lead at the Machine Intelligence Research Group, UNILAG, addressed participants on critical aspects of AI ethics, including:

• Accountability
• Validity and reliability
• Explainability
• Security and privacy

Held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre, the training was not just about policy development but also about changing mindsets. Participants were challenged to take the knowledge gained and train their respective faculties within six months.

For UNILAG, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to technology in education—one that seeks to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding academic ethics.

As Nigerian universities continue to navigate the digital age, UNILAG’s policy may set a precedent for other institutions, ensuring that AI remains a tool for learning rather than a shortcut to success.

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