Experts warn of AI risks in education as Africa seeks bigger role in tech

Experts have cautioned about the potential risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, as African nations strive for a more prominent role in the field of technology. This warning was issued on August 27, 2026, during the 16th East Africa Communication Association (EACA) Conference held at St. Paul’s University. The conference convened a gathering of academics, researchers, educators, and communication professionals to discuss the increasing utilization of AI alongside the challenges it presents in adoption.

Margaret Jjuuko, the President of EACA from Uganda, emphasized that African countries should shift from merely consuming technology to becoming active contributors in the global technological landscape. "Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. Going forward, Africa must learn how to contribute to the global technological space, rather than remaining merely a recipient of technology," she stated.

Jjuuko stressed the importance of utilizing technology responsibly rather than resisting its integration. "We should focus on making the right use of technology rather than opposing it," she added. These remarks coincide with ongoing debates surrounding the application of AI in academic work, encompassing research, teaching, writing, and information management.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, as reported by his office, encouraged universities and other tertiary institutions to embrace emerging technologies while ensuring their application adheres to ethical standards. "Our universities and tertiary institutions must embrace technology while ensuring that its application is guided by ethics and responsibility in addressing real-life challenges," Ogamba affirmed.

The discussions at the conference also addressed the implications of AI for the communication sector and the necessity for users and institutions to consider the associated risks. Moreover, St. Paul’s University launched a PhD program in Communication and Media during the event. The EACA conference is anticipated to continue deliberations on AI, communication, education, and research across East Africa.

The significance of the discussions is heightened in Africa, where many education systems already face issues such as unequal access to digital infrastructure, limited research funding, and deficiencies in technological skills. The emergence of advanced generative AI tools presents a new challenge, as these tools can rapidly generate essays, summarize research, analyze information, and formulate ideas.

This advancement blurs the traditional lines between students, teachers, and academic knowledge. Consequently, universities now face a more complex dilemma: whether to permit the use of AI or to determine how students and researchers can effectively leverage it to augment human intelligence rather than replace it.