A child protection advocate and education counsellor, Catherine Bamidele, has advised secondary school students to avoid becoming overly dependent on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for their academic work, warning that excessive use could hinder creativity and critical thinking.
Speaking on Saturday at the graduation and prize-giving ceremony of Bezalel Generation International Schools (BGIS) in Jikwoyi, Abuja, Mrs Bamidele encouraged students to cultivate reading habits and invest in personal development rather than relying on AI-generated content.
She expressed concern that many students simply copy and paste responses produced by AI, bypassing the thinking process that develops reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
According to her, creativity and intellectual growth cannot flourish when learners depend entirely on ready-made answers instead of engaging their own minds.
Mrs Bamidele stressed that reading, critical thinking and continuous learning remain essential for academic success and future career advancement.
While acknowledging the educational benefits of technology, she urged students to exercise discipline in their use of digital tools, social media and personal freedom, adding that meaningful achievements come through planning, wise choices and consistent effort rather than distractions.
Also addressing the graduates, the Chief Executive Officer of BGIS, Modupe Adetunji, encouraged them to uphold academic excellence, integrity and strong moral values as they prepare for life in higher institutions.
She reminded the graduating students that university life requires greater self-discipline because they would no longer have teachers constantly monitoring their progress, urging them to build on the values and foundation acquired at the school.
Mrs Adetunji also challenged students advancing from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School to remain committed to their studies, noting that they were entering a more demanding stage of their academic journey.
Earlier, the chairman of the event, Abiodun Adebanjo, appealed to parents not to relent in funding their children’s education despite the country’s economic difficulties. He described spending on education as a worthwhile investment that would continue to benefit both the children and society.
Meanwhile, Samson Otunubi, Chief Examiner for General Mathematics at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Gwagwalada Centre, Abuja, dismissed the widespread belief that mathematics is a difficult subject.
He maintained that mathematics is one of the easiest subjects to master, provided students dedicate themselves to regular practice and consistent learning.
(NAN)