Responsible AI Use in Universities Urged by Educationists

ISLAMABAD(WMA REPORT ) Educationists have called upon universities to embrace modern technologies and ensure the responsible, ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of higher education while safeguarding academic integrity and educational values.
The call was made during a Vice Chancellors’ Roundtable Discussion held at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) as part of the 29th Sustainable Development Conference, a five-day event organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
The roundtable brought together vice chancellors, heads of institutions, educationists and international experts from various universities. The participants observed that Artificial Intelligence had opened up new opportunities in higher education, enabling universities to improve teaching, research and administrative processes. They emphasized that the effective integration of AI could significantly enhance educational standards, research productivity and students’ academic capabilities. However, they stressed that ethical principles, transparency, accountability and academic integrity must remain central to its application.
The speakers maintained that AI should serve as a supportive tool for teachers and students rather than replace human thinking, creativity and intellectual effort. They cautioned that excessive reliance on AI could undermine students’ independent thinking and research capabilities. Therefore, universities should formulate clear policies and guidelines to ensure its appropriate and responsible use.
The educationists also highlighted the importance of training teachers in line with emerging technological advancements, revising curricula, improving research facilities and promoting digital skills among students. They stressed that developing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities and awareness of the ethical use of technology among students was essential to meet contemporary educational challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood said that Artificial Intelligence was playing a significant role in making the distance education system more effective by providing students with improved academic support. He emphasized, however that the responsible and ethical use of AI was essential to ensure that technological advancement did not compromise academic integrity, creative thinking and educational values.
The roundtable was attended by SDPI Executive Director Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri; AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood; Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed Yusuf; Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology Rector Professor Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid; Dr. Anil Salman of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute; Fatima Jinnah Women University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza; University of Sindh Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri; Professor Dr. Aneela Kamal of Women University Azad Jammu and Kashmir; and Professor Dr. Mustansar Ali Aznfar of the University of East London, UK, who participated online. The session was moderated by Dr. Fariha Armughan.