By Esther Sangodele
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Science, Technology and Innovation) of Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof. Olusola Ladokun, has cautioned researchers, academics and students against allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to replace human reasoning, stressing the need for its responsible use in teaching, research and everyday activities.
Ladokun, a former Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, said although AI had become an integral part of modern society, its application should complement human intelligence rather than undermine independent thinking and creativity.
He spoke during the 2026 International Conference of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, where scholars, researchers and postgraduate students gathered to exchange ideas and discuss developments in science and technology.
According to him, the conference was initiated during his tenure as dean to provide an intellectual platform for established and emerging scholars to share research findings, build academic relationships and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
He explained that the faculty had established its own academic journal, Bridges Integrative Journal of Science and Technology, to provide an outlet for publishing research papers and conference presentations.
Ladokun said the initiative would strengthen scholarly engagement and ensure that research findings presented at the conference contributed to existing knowledge.
On the growing influence of AI, he noted that its applications had become evident in virtually every aspect of human activity, including information searches, academic research and teaching.
He disclosed that he was instrumental in drafting the university’s AI policy, adding that the institution recognised the importance of establishing guidelines for the responsible application of the technology.
He urged academics and students to acknowledge the use of AI in their research and teaching, noting that transparency was essential to maintaining academic integrity.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Prof. Babatunde Adebo, described the conference as an opportunity for researchers from different disciplines and parts of the world to collaborate and exchange ideas on scientific discoveries.
Adebo said the gathering had demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving national and global development.
He urged emerging researchers and postgraduate students to use AI responsibly, insisting that the technology should assist human efforts rather than take over the process of thinking and knowledge creation.
“The major thing is that the origin of every knowledge must be from the human and not from the machine,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the conference, Prof. Onasanya Amos, disclosed that more than 400 participants attended the event, with about 180 research presentations scheduled.
He said the conference provided participants with opportunities to showcase their research, exchange ideas and establish partnerships with scholars within and outside Nigeria.
Amos urged presenters to document their participation and share their research activities on social media platforms to extend the reach and impact of their contributions.
He expressed optimism that the next edition, scheduled to hold in two years, would build on the achievements of the 2026 conference and improve its effectiveness.
