As artificial intelligence reshapes education worldwide, students have been advised that while AI can boost learning, it must complement not replace the natural human ways of curiosity, interaction, and critical thinking.
This advice came from Dr. Emmanuel Nweke, a lecturer at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, who spoke during an interview with our correspondent. He acknowledged that AI offers remarkable benefits, particularly in making academic work easier and more efficient for both students and teachers.
According to Dr. Nweke, AI tools enhance speed and accuracy, but an overreliance on them could undermine human intellect and worsen the already declining reading culture among young people.
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“AI should be seen as a complement, not a substitute,” he emphasized, warning that students who depend solely on artificial intelligence risk losing their natural ability to think independently.
He further argued that if the trend of dependency continues unchecked, higher institutions may end up producing mere certificate holders rather than thinkers. This, he said, would defeat the essence of education, which is to build resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving skills through research and inquiry.
Dr. Nweke urged students to embrace AI responsibly while maintaining a balance with traditional learning methods. He insisted that true education goes beyond quick answers, requiring personal effort, engagement, and the discipline of reading and exploration.
