AI should not replace critical thinking–V-C

Ahmed gave the charge during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony for postgraduate students of the university on Wednesday held at the main campus, Samaru, Zaria.

While urging the matriculants not to allow AI to replace their critical thinking, the V-C also assured them of stronger support for timely graduation

“Emerging technologies should complement, rather than replace critical thinking, independent scholarship and effective academic supervision,” he advised.

Ahmed said the university was repositioning its Postgraduate College through deliberate renewal and re-engineering to make postgraduate education more purposeful, responsive and aligned with contemporary academic demands.

“Our message to you is simple: we want you to graduate on time, and we want you to graduate well,” the vice-chancellor said.

The V-C said ABU was strengthening academic supervision, improving communication and access to postgraduate services, while enforcing clearer academic timelines from registration through successful completion of programmes.

He noted that responsive systems would provide students with adequate support throughout their academic journey, including guidance on the ethical, transparent and responsible use of AI tools.

The vice-chancellor said AI could support research, learning and academic administration when used responsibly, but urged students to verify information generated through such tools before relying on it.

He, therefore, cautioned students against plagiarism, fabricated references, unverified AI-generated information and presenting machine-generated material as original scholarship.

He also urged the students to remain accountable for the integrity of their work.

“AI should support your scholarship, not replace your critical thinking, original analysis or engagement with your supervisors,” he said.

Ahmed said ABU was committed to an inclusive postgraduate community where students with special needs, those from West African countries and international students would be valued and supported.

He said the university was expanding opportunities through academic clinics, research support, thesis and dissertation engagements, collaborative programmes, competitive grants and scholarships to develop independent scholars and contributors to knowledge.

The vice-chancellor reminded the students that institutional support could not replace personal responsibility, urging them to take ownership of their work and engage supervisors regularly.

He advised them to ask questions and seek assistance early whenever they encountered academic or research challenges, rather than waiting until such difficulties affected their progress.

Earlier, Prof. Oluyinka Okubanjo, Provost of Postgraduate College, said the college was strengthening academic supervision and support systems to ensure timely and successful completion of postgraduate programmes.

Okubanjo said the reforms would improve communication and access, enforce clearer academic timelines and promote an inclusive environment that harnessed diversity for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

He urged the newly admitted students to uphold academic integrity and regard postgraduate education as an opportunity to develop critical thinking, solve problems and contribute meaningfully to society.

The provost said students must recognise that while the university, college and supervisors could provide platforms and guidance, responsibility for their scholarship ultimately remained with them.