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UI Sets Up Committee to Develop AI Policy, Guide Ethical Usage

The University of Ibadan has set up a committee to develop a policy on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) for staff and students.

The move, according to the University of Ibadan Directorate of Public Communication, is aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework that will regulate AI usage, ensure accountability, and protect against misuse within the academic community.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Adebowale, described artificial intelligence as a tool with immense benefits for innovation, learning, and problem-solving but warned that its rapid development makes it vulnerable to abuse if not properly regulated.

Professor Adebowale described artificial intelligence as a wildfire, stressing that its fast-growing and dynamic nature requires careful monitoring and responsible management to prevent misuse, particularly among staff and students.

He emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to guide the ethical use, ensure accountability, and protect the technology from abuse within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that once the policy becomes operational, it would be required for all members of the university community to comply with established ethical standards in the use of artificial intelligence.

He urged members of the committee to develop a proactive and robust policy that reflects the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence technologies globally.

The committee, chaired by Professor O. F. W. Onifade, Director of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre, has membership which includes Professor A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe (Provost, Postgraduate College), Professor A. B. Adeyemo (Dean, Faculty of Computing), and Professor Ibiyinka T. Ayorinde (Department of Software Engineering).

Others include Dr. Oluyemi E. Adetoyi (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), Dr. O. E. Gbadegesin (Department of Public Law), Dr. A. A. Ayodele (Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies), and Dr. I. B. Ayinla (Faculty of Computing), who serves as Secretary.

In his remarks, the chair of the committee, Professor O. F. W. Onifade, noted that the university's initiative would enable it to develop guidelines tailored to its unique academic environment.

He assured that members of the committee would commit themselves to producing a policy that meets international standards and supports responsible innovation within the university community.