Prof. Smart Otu, a security expert and criminologist, says that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can never replace human intelligence.
Otu said this on Thursday at Ikwo at a workshop organised by the Ebonyi chapter of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Ikwo.
The 5th annual workshop was held in partnership with the Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-alike, Ikwo and had a strong focus on the intersection of media, security and artificial intelligence.
Otu’s lecture was delivered on his behalf by Dr McPherson Nnam, another criminology expert.
“The workshop was themed: “Media, Security and Artificial Intelligence” and emphasised the growing relevance of AI in global and national security architecture.
He noted that the integration of AI into security and media operations held immense promise for the development of an informed and secured society.
The don, however, cautioned against over-reliance on AI, stating that while the technology was revolutionary, it remained a creation of the human mind and could not replace human intelligence, discretion and ethical judgment.
“Artificial intelligence has come to stay; but it is a product of human intelligence, it should support, not supplant, human reasoning,” Otu said.
The workshop, which brought together communication scholars, industry professionals, and students, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among media practitioners, security experts and communication scholars in harnessing AI to address emerging societal challenges.
The association described the workshop as a resounding success and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting academic and professional engagement on topical communication issues.
Earlier, the ACSPN state coordinator, Dr Joseph Chukwu, welcomed stakeholders to the ‘Eminent Persons’ Workshop.
Chukwu, in a welcome address, said the event was the first to be hosted by the university and described it as a milestone for the state chapter since its establishment in 2021.
He said that the choice of the theme was timely, given the growing intersection between emerging technologies and media practice.
The coordinator commended the Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Sunday Elom, for declaring the workshop open and expressed gratitude to the national leadership of ACSPN, led by Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, for its continued support.
Chukwu, also the Head of Department of Mass Communication described the guest Speaker, Prof. Otu as a globally recognised security expert.
“Nigerian communication scholars and professionals must stay ahead by understanding and adapting to the realities of artificial intelligence and its impact on the media and society,” he said.
The event which was interactive, featured participants and scholars from universities, polytechnics, and media organisations across Ebonyi and beyond.
