By Daniel Tyokua
The Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has cautioned educational managers against excessive reliance on artificial intelligence (AI).
Professor Hauwa Imam of the University of Abuja, gave the warning during a conference organised by NSUK’s Department of Educational Management in Keffi on Tuesday.
Imam, president of the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management, said AI could improve administrative efficiency and decision-making but could not independently produce authentic institutional records.
She explained that educational managers must provide reliable data to support performance monitoring, trend analysis and evidence-based decisions.
According to her, traditional management functions, including planning, organising, staffing, directing, coordinating and reporting, remain relevant despite advances in digital technology.
She said responsible AI adoption should promote accessibility, equity, accountability, reliability and improved learning outcomes, adding that users must remain accountable for the accuracy and quality of AI-generated information.
Earlier, the Head of NSUK’s Department of Educational Management, Professor Hauwa Mainoma, described AI as an important tool in modern education but warned against absolute dependence on it.
“AI has come to stay, but it must be used to improve on what we have, not to depend on it absolutely,” Mainoma said.
She explained that the conference was organised to bring policymakers and educational administrators together to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for applying AI to contemporary management challenges.
Other scholars at the event also advocated careful deployment of digital tools, emphasising human review and proper management of AI-generated materials in educational institutions.
In another presentation, Dr Binta Lawal Baguwa highlighted Imam’s contributions to educational administration, research and policy development spanning more than four decades.
Described as the “Digital Professor,” Imam was the pioneer director of the Centre for Competence in Digital Education and Pedagogy at the University of Abuja, where she led blended-learning initiatives. She also holds six international certifications in artificial intelligence.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of an award to the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Dr John D. W. Mamman, in recognition of his contributions to the sector.
Other award recipients included Professor Saadatu Hassan Liman, Professor Hauwa Mainoma, Dr Saleh A. Dauda, Professor David Jiboyewa, Professor Maichibi A. Nok, Dr Gladys Uwaleke Chinelo and Dr Kassim Muhammed Kassim of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
