The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Kwara State University (KWASU) hosted its inaugural lecture series on the theme "Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Balancing Advancement with Ethical Considerations" on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

Delivering the welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh highlighted artificial intelligence as a transformative force in education, noting its potential as both an innovation catalyst and a disruptor of conventional educational systems.

The event, held at KWASU's Mini Convocation Arena, attracted students, academics, researchers, and AI enthusiasts. It explored how institutions can harness AI's benefits while addressing ethical challenges in its integration into higher education.

"AI is not merely a tool but a paradigm shift," the KWASU Vice-Chancellor stated, highlighting the potential to personalize learning, streamline administrative tasks, and transform research.

Professor Jimoh, however, cautioned against ethical challenges, particularly threats to academic integrity, as AI continues to grow and increase its capacity to generate essays, solve complex problems, and emulate creative output.

"How do we assess genuine student learning when AI can replicate human work?" Professor Jimoh asked, urging institutions to establish policies that govern AI's ethical use. He stressed the need for frameworks that harmonize innovation with integrity, ensuring AI enhances-rather than undermines-critical thinking and equitable access to education.

Professor Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, the Vice-Chancellor of Muhammad Kamalud-deen University and an expert in technology and education, provided insight into navigating AI's complexities during the lecture presentation.

He emphasized the critical need for 21st-century universities to integrate AI technologies, such as personalized learning and automated administration, while upholding academic integrity through ethical policies. He stressed the need for balance in AI's transformative potential with safeguards against plagiarism, data privacy risks, and depersonalized education.

Professor Isiaka Aliagan, Dean of KWASU's Faculty of ICT, reinforced AI's permanence in his opening remarks. "AI is here to stay. It is neither a passing trend nor a fleeting disruption," he declared. "It represents a fundamental shift in how we process information, solve problems, and create knowledge-the very core of academic pursuits."

Aliagan noted that the Faculty's focus on AI aligns with its mission as the "natural home" of AI within the university's ecosystem. "We house the intellectual capital, technical expertise, and research capabilities to lead AI exploration and application in higher education," he added.

The lecture series signals KWASU's commitment to leading national discourse on emerging technologies, positioning itself as a pioneer in Africa's evolving educational landscape.