Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) successfully hosted the February edition of its KnowledgeX Series, featuring a webinar on "AI & Academia: Ethical Use of AI in Academic Research." The session, facilitated by the President of the Pan-Africa Center for AI Ethics, Kingsley Owadara, explored the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in scholarly research.

In his presentation, Mr. Owadara explored the fundamental motivations behind research, highlighting key drivers such as intellectual and personal development, knowledge advancement, societal impact, and collaborative contributions to academic and professional communities. He also provided a detailed breakdown the research lifecycle, outlining its various key phases, such as idea generation, literature review, data collection, analysis, and publication

On the question of AI’s place in academic research, he said its application depends on institutional policies. He advised researchers to ensure AI-generated data is verified, maintain originality by not relying on AI for critical analysis, and use the technology as a tool rather than a substitute for independent thought.

“Outsmart the AI tool so your work remains original,” he cautioned, warning against over-reliance on automated systems.

Afterwards, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Owadara for his profound insights and thought-provoking session, commending his ability to distill complex ethical concerns into practical guidance for researchers

The webinar drew participation from university faculty, researchers, and virtual attendees from various institutions, reinforcing TAU’s position as a thought leader in responsible AI adoption within academic research.