AI eroding students’ critical thinking – UNILAG VC

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, has cautioned that the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence by students could diminish their critical thinking abilities and impede the development of essential intellectual skills. Speaking at the 8th Lagos State University Research and Innovation Fair, Ogunsola emphasized that universities' primary role is to cultivate students' abilities to think logically and critically.

She stressed that problem-solving exercises are vital for fostering critical analysis and warned that overdependence on AI may cause students to skip the learning process.

Ogunsola pointed out that AI's speed in accessing knowledge, recalling facts, and executing processes poses a challenge for institutions in regulating its use, particularly as students can easily access the technology through their mobile phones. She urged universities to design teaching and assessment strategies capable of determining what students truly learn, rather than simply relying on AI-generated content.

The academic leader cited risks associated with AI in education, including academic integrity violations, inaccurate information, data privacy concerns, intellectual property issues, digital inequality, and potential job losses. Despite these challenges, Ogunsola believes that AI can improve learning when integrated thoughtfully into education and calls for clear guidelines, innovative assessment methods, and guardrails to ensure responsible use of AI.