Nasarawa, Russian Varsities Partner On Summer Course

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has collaborated with the People’s Friendship University of Russia, also known as RUDN University, to provide a Professional Summer Scholarship Course. RUDN is an educational and research institution based in Moscow.

The course, centred on themes such as implementing ethical AI in academic research and writing, as well as entrepreneurial journalism, aims to equip postgraduate students with the skills and technical knowledge needed to navigate the complex relationship between Artificial Intelligence and the academic community.

Speaking during the formal opening of the course, NSUK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Saadatu Hassan Liman, said the university was open to partnerships that would enhance not only knowledge but also the global visibility of the institution.

Prof Liman, speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and International Linkages, Prof K’tso Nghargbu, remarked that the institution places great emphasis on the partnership with RUDN because of its potential to influence research and prevent scholars from becoming academic thieves.

The VC emphasised that the workshop on AI and academic research and writing will elevate both established and emerging scholars, not encourage them to replace diligence with laziness.

She expressed optimism that a strong partnership with globally recognised institutions like RUDN would be maintained to develop a curriculum in AI utilisation, incorporating African ethical principles.

For his part, Associate Prof Jamiu Mustapha, the team lead from the Moscow-based university, emphasised that artificial intelligence has come to stay; however, when and how it is used will determine its ethical compliance.

“The core principles of AI in academic writing and its ethical dilemmas include academic integrity, transparency and disclosure, human oversight and accountability, as well as verification and accuracy,” Mustapha enthused.

In a speech, Associate Professor Santas Tsegyu, the acting head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at NSUK, who coordinated the collaboration, noted that, as members of the global community, it is imperative for scholars to learn how to use it well.