BY Lami Bawa
The Nigerian Journal of Technological Research (NJTR) in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS) has hosted a one day workshop on AI in Academic Writing with the sub-themes: AI and Academic Integrity: Navigating Originality and Plagiarism, Detecting AI-Generated Content: Tools and Best Practices, Enhance Academic Writing through AI: Practical Application, and Ethical Dilemmas in AI-Assisted Writing: Striking the Right Balance.
The event took place on 29 October, 2024, at SICT Lecture Theatre, Main Campus.
Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor, FUT, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta said that the NJTR board members were carefully selected, adding that the University will do everything possible to make the journal the best in Nigeria and Africa.
He emphasized the importance of AI but there is needs for it to be use properly and with extra caution.
In his welcome address, the Editor- in- Chief, NJTR, Prof. Oluwole Morenikeji expresses his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership in constituting the new Editorial Board of the University Journal, adding that the board represents a perfect blend of experience, innovation, and integrity that the University needs at this crucial time.
In his brief summary of what ACEMFS is all about, the Centre Leader and co-host of the event, Prof. Anthony Hussaini Makun said ACEMFS will continue to support initiatives like these that promotes research, while acknowledging that FUT, Minna is strong in technological research.
While making his presentation on Detecting AI-Generated Content : Tools and Best Practices, Prof. Morenikeji pointed out some problems with AI Detection Tools, saying that AI generated content can be designed to evade detection and legitimate content may be misidentified as AI generated. He advised on the need to double check to detect AI – generated written content by combining visual inspection, software tools and critical thinking.
Speaking on Ethical Development in AI-Assisted Writing : Striking the Right Balance, Dr. Olusanjo O. Fashola, MBR, Computer Consults, represented by HOD Data Science FUT, Minna, Dr. Joseph Ojeniyi said It is imperative for academic institutions and researchers to integrate AI tools more comprehensively into their research workflows to fully exploit their benefits. This integration should not only be widespread but also deep, ensuring that all facets of academic work are touched by AI’s transformative capabilities and the ethical and transparent use of AI is paramount.
He rẹ-emphasized that researchers must commit to using AI tools in a manner that upholds the integrity and originality of their work, avoiding any misuse that could undermine academic standards, adding that the landscape of AI in academia is ever-evolving, necessitating continued research and development.
Earlier in her presentation on AI and Academic Integrity : Navigating Originality and Plagiarism, the Head of Department Library and Information Technology, Dr. Fatimah J. Abduldayan stated that there is a need for supervisors and students to determine what constitutes plagiarism and clearly define the originality of their work, and to embed practical research skills in the curriculum and to enforce the use of turnitin beyond final year project to include test, assignment and other assessments.
While outline some AI tools for reading and writing on the sub-theme, Enhancing Academic Writing through AI: Practical Application, the Head of Department Mechatronic, Dr. Taliha Folorunso stated that it is important for students to use AI tools responsibly, uphold academic integrity, and academicians should educate students on ethical AI use and ensure transparency.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Deputy Editor-in-chief, (NJTR) Prof. K. U. Isah, who appreciated the University Management , Resource Persons and participants for being a part of the event and hoping that the workshop has opened everyone’s eyes to the challenges and opportunities in the use of AI in Academic Writing.
He also use the opportunity to thank ACEMFS for their Financial support to the success of the event.
Photo Credit:Elijah Yisa
