ResearchPadi

The Role of AI in Research: A Tool, Not a Shortcut

Dear scholars and researchers,

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked significant debate in academia. Some argue it undermines traditional research methods, while others see it as a revolutionary tool. But is using AI for research wrong? Absolutely not!

Think of AI as an automatic car—it simplifies and accelerates the research process, much like how automatic cars make driving easier compared to manual ones. AI can help in gathering literature, organizing data, and enhancing research efficiency. However, just as responsible driving requires adherence to traffic rules, responsible AI usage demands ethical considerations.

While AI can assist in research, it should not replace critical thinking or academic integrity. Copying and pasting AI-generated content without proper citation is plagiarism—a serious offense in research. Proper referencing and citation remain crucial to maintaining academic honesty.

The key is healthy and ethical AI usage. AI should be a research assistant, not a shortcut. When used appropriately, it can enhance knowledge creation rather than compromise it.

Let’s embrace AI responsibly and ensure our research upholds the highest ethical standards.

Let the righteous rule

From the antecedent of the current situation in Nigeria, it is clear that the nation seems not to have a focus; there is high inflation, a high rate of unemployment, there is hunger in the land, and uncertainty about the future. The naira has reduced in value in the international market. With the agenda of renewed hope, many felt it would be better and hopes will be renewed but as of today, the situation of the country makes citizens miss previous governments that were tagged ‘failed’ like President Muhammadu Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan.

With over 8 million votes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared the winner of the 2023 presidential Elections. But from the swearing-in day announcement of subsidy ‘gone’, to the flow of Naira, to the different levels of taxes, to electricity traffic hikes have been the major highlights of making lives difficult for citizens. On the other hand, there is a high cost of governance from the renovation of the official residence of the Nigerian Vice President for N15 billion, buying new cars for the lawmakers (N57.6 billion), spending on pilgrimages (N90 billion) and buying of a presidential jet (N150 billion). Making it obvious that the government of the day seems insensitive to the plights of its citizens.

Reading the book of Proverbs 29: 2 & 4, it says “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. By justice, a king builds up the nation, but one who raises taxes tears it down.” Taking a deeper reflection on this page, it is very clear that Nigeria’s problem has been leadership because we have been groaning from one administration to another. The groaning level keeps increasing, the cost of living is getting tougher and Nigerians now doing everything possible to leave the country “JAPA”.

In pains and groaning in recent times there was ‘Occupy Nigeria’ in 2012, ‘ENDSARS’ in 2020 with the pains of the lives lost still very fresh in minds, and in 2024, it was ‘Endbadgovernance’ protest. Protesting will not end hunger or pain, these only can end when righteous ones are voted into power. Saying politics is a dirty game is the beginning of the nation’s problem. Politics is not dirty. Those who should be in politics and in leadership roles for the country to rejoice are people with qualities such as forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, and non-attachment. If you agree with me, most of the leaders today lack these qualities what we have are people who are just interested in what they take from the nation not what they can give to the nation.

So for the righteous to take over leadership when voting leaders look for these qualities rather than looking for your town man or your family members. Don’t forget if it is good, everyone enjoys it and if it is bad, everyone cries just as the state of the nation today

From adversity to triumph: Dr Anthony journey at Lead city university
I joined Lead City University in 2013 with the dream of studying accounting. However, my aspirations were dashed when I failed mathematics in my WAEC exams. Hoping for a second chance, I attempted NECO, only to face disappointment once again. With limited options, I was forced to choose between Mass Communication and Public Administration, a decision that left me heartbroken. I reluctantly chose Mass Communication, marking the beginning of an unexpected journey.

Initially, Mass Communication wasn’t my passion. However, my perspective changed thanks to the supportive lecturers I encountered in my first year. In 2014, I finally passed mathematics in GCE, opening the door to pursue my initial dream of accounting. Yet, the advice of my dear friend, Aramide Oyedepo, and amazing lecturers like Dr. Oyebola Ajibola and Dr. Ufoma Davies convinced me to complete my Mass Communication degree first—a decision for which I am eternally grateful.

During my time at Lead City, I immersed myself in campus life, taking on various leadership roles. I served in departmental leadership and hostel administration. In my final year, I became the president of the Student Representative Council (SRC). Additionally, I was the Secretary-General for the Nigerian Model United Nations Society (NIMUS), now known as Lead City University Model United Nations (LCUMUN), while also leading my department. My dedication to leadership was recognized when I won an award for ‘Exceptional Leadership’ at the Poise Dinner that year.

By my third year, my goal was clear: graduate with a first-class degree. My motivations were deeply personal. I wanted to transform the perception of my life from the mischievous boy I was in secondary school. An emotional encounter with an elderly man who worked as the security man of the hostel I stayed in and admired my behavior and wanted to name his grandson after me further fueled my determination.

As my four years at Lead City came to a close, I was honored as the best graduating male student in the school. The registrar informed me that I would deliver a speech at our convocation, addressing a distinguished audience that included the then Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the late former governor of Oyo state, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi. This marked the culmination of my undergraduate journey in 2017.

My affection for Lead City University led me to pursue a degree here, which I completed in 2020. My path to becoming a lecturer began during a tutorial class when my friend Aramide and others around us suggested I had the qualities of a good lecturer. This notion was reinforced by the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. OlufemiOnabanjo who was my lecturer.


During my service year(NYSC), I worked as an assistant lecturer atMoshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, where my passion for academia blossomed. Influential figures like Dr. Funmi Alakija and Dr. Kolawole Amos shaped my journey. After a year at the polytechnic, I returned home and continued my academic career at Lead City University, eventually starting my PhD in Media Education and youth Political participation.

2024 has been a landmark year for me. I concluded my PhD on January 25th, 2024, and received multiple accolades, including the Best Lecturer of the Year award from the university management, and recognitions from my department, LCUMUN, and Lead City Voices—all within the first half of the year.

My story is a testament to resilience and the power of guidance. From a struggling student to an award-winning lecturer, my journey at Lead City University exemplifies how unexpected paths can lead to fulfilling destinations.
Written by: Dr. Amedu Anthony

… https://lcv24.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/from-adversity-to-triumph-dr-anthony-journey-at-lead-city-university/

Edited by: Lawal Ifeoluwa
Editor in chief
Lead city university
Lead city voices