The digital age is here, and with it, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize how we learn and work. But are we becoming too dependent on this amazing technology? Professor Olalekan Asikhia, the sharp mind behind Caleb University in Imota, is sounding a wake-up call to students everywhere. He’s urging them to pump the brakes on their reliance on AI, warning that too much of a good thing can lead to a dangerous pitfall: intellectual bankruptcy. This isn’t just about future scholars; it’s about the very fabric of our nation’s educational progress. This article dives into the VC’s concerns, explores the impact of AI on learning, and highlights the urgent need to tackle exam malpractice head-on.
- AI: A Double-Edged Sword: While AI offers incredible support, over-dependence can stunt critical thinking.
- The TETFund Dilemma: Private universities are missing out on crucial research funding, hindering national development.
- Exam Malpractice Crisis: The VC paints a grim picture of future professionals compromised by cheating.
- A Call to Action: Parents and institutions must work together to cultivate genuine intellectual growth.
The AI Trap: More Than Just a Study Buddy
Professor Olalekan Asikhia, a seasoned expert in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, dropped some serious truth bombs at a recent media parley. He’s worried that students are treating AI not as a helpful tool, but as a crutch. “AI is supposed to be a supporter, not something to rely on absolutely for day-to-day activities,” he stated emphatically. This over-reliance, he fears, is creating a generation of students who can’t think for themselves, leading to what he calls “intellectual bankruptcy.” Imagine a world where our future doctors can’t think critically in an emergency, or our engineers can’t solve complex problems without a digital prompt. That’s the dystopian future Asikhia is trying to help us avoid.
TETFund Funding: A Missing Piece in the Puzzle
Beyond the immediate concerns of AI, Professor Asikhia also highlighted a significant structural issue hindering academic progress in Nigeria: the exclusion of private universities from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He argued passionately that this decision is a major disservice to the nation’s research and development efforts. “It could have been better if the government agreed that private universities should benefit from TETFund, which could have greatly helped research and the general development of the nation,” he lamented. Lecturers in private institutions often face discouraged research ambitions due to a lack of government support, putting Nigeria at a disadvantage. Concentrating funding only on public and state universities, Asikhia believes, prevents the nation from tapping into the full potential of its human capital and environmental resources.
Exam Malpractice: A National Embarrassment
The VC didn’t mince words when discussing exam malpractice, calling it an “impediment to the growth of the nation’s education sector.” He painted a stark, almost unbelievable picture: “if care is not taken, we shall be producing medical doctors who are murderers instead of caring for patients, because our youths are intellectually bankrupt based on their over-reliance on exam malpractice.” This isn’t just about students passing exams; it’s about ensuring they possess the actual knowledge and skills required for their professions. The consequences of unchecked cheating are dire, potentially leading to incompetent professionals in critical fields.
A Seven-Point Plan for Intellectual Excellence
Undeterred, Professor Asikhia unveiled his ambitious seven-point agenda aimed at fostering academic excellence and holistic student development at Caleb University. These initiatives, set to be rolled out in phases, are designed to nurture students’ intellectual capacities and prepare them to be invaluable assets to the nation. While the specifics of each point weren’t detailed, the overarching goal is clear: to build a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, deep understanding, and genuine skill acquisition, rather than superficial achievement.
What Parents Can Do
The fight against exam malpractice and intellectual laziness isn’t solely the responsibility of educational institutions. Professor Asikhia stressed the crucial role parents play. He urged parents to steer clear of what he termed “miracle schools” and instead, focus on ensuring their children genuinely learn and pass their exams through their own merit. “Let them pass their exams so that their intellectual capacity is developed in the process, and they will be the best resource a nation can use,” he advised. A supportive home environment that values learning over quick fixes is essential for cultivating well-rounded, intellectually capable individuals.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Innovation with Integrity
The rise of AI presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. As Professor Asikhia rightly points out, the key lies in finding the right balance. We must embrace the power of AI as a tool to enhance our learning and capabilities, but never at the expense of our own cognitive abilities. The Nigerian educational system, from private to public institutions, faces the monumental task of fostering a culture of intellectual integrity, ensuring that every student graduates not just with a degree, but with a sharp, capable mind ready to contribute meaningfully to society. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
About The Author
