A security expert, renowned criminologist, Prof. Smart Otu, has said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a threat to human intelligence but should be used to support it and not replace it.
This position was made clear in a keynote lecture delivered on behalf of renowned criminologist, Prof. Smart Otu, during the 5th Annual Workshop of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Ebonyi State chapter.
The lecture was presented by Dr at the event held on Thursday at the Theatre Arts Auditorium, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI).
Speaking through Dr McPherson Nnam on the theme “The Media, Security and Artificial Intelligence,” Prof. Otu acknowledged the growing impact of AI in global security and media systems.
He emphasized that AI remains a product of human creation thereby lacking the ethical and emotional depth of human intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence has come to stay; but it is a product of human intelligence. It should support, not supplant, human reasoning,” he said.
Professor Otu emphasised that while AI enhances efficiency, it cannot match human discretion, values, and ethical decision-making.
The workshop brought together communication scholars, media professionals, and students to explore how the convergence of AI, media, and security can be responsibly managed. It also provided a platform for robust interdisciplinary dialogue on emerging societal challenges posed by technological advancement.
In his welcome address, the ACSPN State Coordinator and Head of Department of Mass Communication at AE-FUNAI, Dr Joseph Chukwu, described the event as historic, being the first hosted by the university since the state chapter was established in 2021. He praised the choice of theme as timely, given the increasing influence of technology on media practice and security concerns.
Dr Chukwu commended the Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Sunday Elom, for his support and for declaring the workshop open. He also acknowledged the national leadership of ACSPN, led by Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, for its continued encouragement and guidance, describing Prof. Otu as a globally respected figure in criminology and security studies.
Participants from universities, polytechnics, and media organisations across Ebonyi State and beyond attended the interactive session. The association later described the workshop as a resounding success and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering academic and professional engagement on communication and technological trends.
