Experts at FULafia AI Conference: “Manage AI Well or Risk Losing Our Humanity”
Effective management of Artificial Intelligence — not fear of it — is how we prepare for the future. That was the central message from speakers at the 7th National Conference on Artificial Intelligence held at Federal University of Lafia.
The conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Social Sciences: Governance, Innovation and Inclusive Development,” was hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences, FULafia. It brought together academics, researchers, and stakeholders to unpack how Generative AI is reshaping everything from policy to everyday life.
In an interview, the convener, Professor George Genyi, said the goal was simple: start real conversations about where AI is headed and what it means for the Social Sciences.
“The future is around AI,” Prof. Genyi said. “But how do we belong to that future without losing our humanity? We created AI, so it should not replace us. It should be used appropriately.”
He explained that AI now touches every field, including Social Sciences, so researchers and decision-makers need to understand it based on solid evidence. The conference was built around sub-themes designed to spark debate and share findings that stakeholders can actually use.
Prof. Genyi also gave a nod to Governor Abdullahi Sule, echoing participants who praised the governor’s commitment to service — a factor they say has helped position Nasarawa State as a top destination for economic investment.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Isa Kida, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Aleruchi Chuku commended the organizers and challenged participants to take what they learned back to their communities. “Apply this knowledge for the good of society,” she urged.
Lead presenter Professor Gulleng Daskyes called AI a “societal revolution” with huge potential to improve lives. But he cautioned that the benefits only come with appropriate application. Used wrongly, he warned, AI could widen gaps instead of closing them.
Delivering the keynote, Professor Abba Abubakar Sadeeque spoke on the deep connection between AI and the Social Sciences. He argued that Social Sciences will remain vital in guiding how society evolves, while AI can boost speed, accuracy, objectivity, and resilience — if applied correctly for development.
The conference ended with a shared conclusion: AI isn’t going away, and it shouldn’t. The task now is to govern it, innovate with it, and make sure it drives inclusive growth without eroding the human values at the core of society.
