By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the development of “rigorous ethical principles” to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, ensuring it upholds human dignity and serves the common good.
In a statement marking the International Day of Education on January 24, the Bishops reflected on the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” They acknowledged AI’s transformative potential while highlighting its limitations in instilling ethical values in learners.
“Technology, including AI, must always complement and support human endeavors, rather than overshadow them,” the Bishops emphasized. They advocated for applying ethical standards to ensure AI respects human dignity, upholds shared values, and preserves the essential roles of individuals in shaping the future.
The Bishops cautioned against viewing AI as a replacement for human qualities such as compassion, moral guidance, and critical thinking. Instead, they urged stakeholders to prioritize human agency in technological advancements. “As we harness the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance various sectors of society, we must ensure that it augments, rather than replaces, human agency,” they stated, stressing the need for a human-centered approach in shaping the future.
The statement, cosigned by Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, Director of Church & Society, and Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, Director of Social Communications, also addressed the broader challenges facing education in Nigeria. The Bishops reiterated that education is an inalienable right for every child and called on the government to tackle the crisis of out-of-school children.
“Education is an inalienable right that must be accessible to every child,” they said, urging the government to collaborate with religious organizations and other stakeholders to establish schools and provide scholarships, especially in underserved rural areas.
The CBCN commended efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as faith-based groups in advancing educational initiatives. They highlighted the Catholic Church’s longstanding contributions to holistic education, which have positively shaped individuals and communities.
Addressing parents directly, the Bishops emphasized their primary role in educating children and instilling core values such as honesty, respect for human dignity, compassion, responsibility, self-discipline, and reverence for God.
“These values have a profound impact on their (children’s) development because: honesty fosters integrity and trust, respect promotes dignity and inclusivity, compassion cultivates empathy and selflessness, contentment teaches gratitude and simplicity, responsibility builds hard work and accountability, and self-discipline enables self-control and perseverance,” they explained.
By nurturing these values alongside ethical education, the Bishops underscored the potential to create a just and equitable society. They noted that education rooted in ethical principles lays the foundation for future leaders who serve with integrity and compassion, contributing to Nigeria’s progress and the common good.
“Ultimately, the formation of our children lays the foundation for a society where leaders serve with honesty, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of all,” the Bishops concluded.
