The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, has disclosed that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in research must be within ethical boundaries.

Akindele stated this at the opening session of the 2026 edition of the university’s Postgraduate Biennial Conference, where he tasked scholars with developing relevant data and ethical artificial intelligence solutions to address Nigeria’s development challenges.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, ‘AI and sustainable development: Collaborative solutions for global challenges,’ the vice-chancellor advised scholars to learn how to use AI, adapt to it, and apply it responsibly to their work.

He said, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is here, and it is here to stay. We must learn it, adapt to it and apply it responsibly to the work before us. Postgraduate students will increasingly use AI tools in their research, but that use must remain within acceptable ethical boundaries.”

Akindele charged universities to come up with solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the country, saying research must go beyond producing journals and should lead to policies and innovations that can transform society.

He reminded that universities are entrusted with asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions and proposing solutions to government, industries and communities.

“The problems of insecurity, energy shortages and environmental degradation remain urgent in our society. We must not stop working towards solutions to these challenges. Research must go beyond producing journals and lead to policies and innovations that can transform society,” he said.

He noted that collaboration among stakeholders across disciplines remained central to sustainable development, adding that no single discipline or institution could provide all the answers needed to solve global and local problems.

In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Kayode Adebowale, said Nigeria must embrace AI and ensure its use to address the country’s realities.

Adebowale, who was represented by Prof. Muyiwa Omobowale, said Nigeria needs relevant local data to make AI useful to the people, while keeping innovations from the country globally relevant.

He said, “This conference is timely because it seeks to capture and prepare the next generation of Artificial Intelligence developers. Postgraduate students and researchers have an important role in shaping AI solutions for Nigeria’s development.”

For AI to be sustainable, the VC said there must be access to quality data and collaboration among academics, students, the private sector and government. Sound policies are also needed to ensure that artificial intelligence is deployed ethically and responsibly for the good of humanity.”