The Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, has expressed concern over the growing trend among students who prioritize obtaining certificates rather than acquiring knowledge, warning that the culture is affecting the quality of education across Africa.
Professor Adeniyi made the remarks during a podcast “Conversations with Prof. Jideofor Adibe” monitored by The News Chronicle, where he discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), academic standards, and students’ attitude toward education.
According to the Vice Chancellor, many students today are less interested in reading, research, and personal development, focusing instead on earning academic qualifications to move on with their careers.
“We know that many students hardly read. They just want to get certificates and move on,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the challenge is not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that many countries across Africa are witnessing a similar pattern where educational attainment is increasingly measured by certificates rather than actual learning and competence.
The university administrator warned that such attitudes could weaken academic excellence and reduce the value of higher education if students continue to neglect genuine learning.
Speaking on the role of technology, Professor Adeniyi acknowledged that Artificial Intelligence has become more sophisticated and has made access to information easier than before.
However, he cautioned that students should use AI responsibly to support learning instead of depending on it as a shortcut.
He explained that institutions are becoming more aware of the risks associated with misuse of AI, particularly in academic writing and plagiarism.
According to him, universities are adopting advanced systems capable of detecting copied materials, manipulated content, and AI-generated submissions that are not original.
“AI now has mechanisms to detect plagiarism and identify copies that are not original. Universities are also aware of applications that manipulate content to avoid detection,” he said.
Professor Adeniyi emphasized that while AI presents opportunities for learning and research, students must remain committed to reading, critical thinking, and originality to ensure quality education and academic integrity.
He added that the future of education in Africa would depend on striking a balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining a culture of genuine scholarship.
