By Rose Oranye
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State, Dr Law Mefor, has warned students against total reliance on artificial intelligence, saying AI should aid learning and not replace it.
Dr Mefor gave the warning while delivering a keynote address at the Synergy Hub Launch and TechMedia Exco 1.0, organised by the Students Union Government (SUG) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
He expressed concern that many students now depend entirely on AI tools to do their academic work. “AI should aid your research, not become a substitute for knowledge. Some students now copy answers from ChatGPT and other AI techs and submit them without any effort to make them their own. You may ‘graduate without graduating’, he cautioned.
The commissioner said while technology is important, students must develop critical thinking and real knowledge to remain relevant in the future and urged UNIZIK students to take advantage of the state government’s free digital skills programme delivered by the Solution Innovation District (SID).
“The future of Anambra is not just trade and commerce. Even trade and commerce will now rely on tech and innovation. That is why you must equip yourselves with tech and digital skills to be part of the glorious future,” he said.
He noted that SID training can be accessed on smartphones without leaving campus. “With a smartphone, you can learn digital skills from your room. I will send the link to your leadership to share,” he said.
“Despite the rise of innovation and tech-driven professions, he asserted that ‘technology cannot replace man if man stays ahead of it.'” But you must work diligently, because AI is already taking over jobs.”
He advised students to prioritise skills over certificates, emphasising that their future careers depend on their abilities and academic excellence.
The Commissioner also said the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation would work with SUGs to create a plan for enforcement-driven value reformation in Anambra so that as infrastructure grows, citizens’ character also grows, as the Solution Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, envisions.
Earlier, the SUG PRO, Giant Comrade Ifeanyi James Nduba, said the Synergy Hub is a tech and media mentorship platform built on the principle of “iron sharpeneth iron”, where professionals are paired with beginners for mentorship.
According to him, the aim is to prepare students for job opportunities within and outside school ahead of their graduation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Visionary Impact and Value Reformation Award to Dr Mefor.
