The Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has urged students not to over-rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) so as not to become intellectually bankrupt in the pursuit of their academic careers.

The Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, speaking yesterday at the institution’s media parley on the university’s development, disclosed that the Federal Government should extend TETFUND to private universities to help in the area of research and the development of the nation at large.

He said, “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. Most of the lecturers in private universities are discouraged from continuing their research based on the government’s inability to fund their research. This is a disadvantage to the nation.”

He added that for the government to concentrate only on public and state universities is not good enough for the nation and will not allow the country to make use of the lofty resources deposited in humans, as well as the vast development of the environment.

On exam malpractice, the VC noted that there is a need to stem the tide of the endemic, which has been an impediment to the growth of the nation’s education sector, stressing that proactive steps will save the nation from becoming intellectually bankrupt.

He added, “We must start from somewhere, and soon, 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.”

He urged parents not to allow their children to attend miracle schools, noting that all hands must be on deck in order to eradicate the scourge of exam malpractice in the country.

He said, “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 further stated that though the school encourages the use of Artificial Intelligence, intellectual bankruptcy is another problem associated with AI.

Prof. Asikhia explained that AI is supposed to be a supporter, not something to rely on absolutely for day-to-day activities.

The new Vice-Chancellor reeled out his seven-point agenda for the excellent academic pursuit and developmental pathway of the students.

He noted that all the seven-point agenda will work in different phases within the university to help grow the students and make them the best they can be.