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Catholic Bishops in Nigeria Propose “rigorous ethical principles” to Guide Proper AI Use in Education

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Credit: Abuja Archdiocese

Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have proposed that "rigorous ethical principles" be developed to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education upholds human dignity.

In a statement following the celebration of the International Day of Education on January 24, the Catholic Bishops emphasized that AI must serve as a tool to complement, not replace, human efforts in education and other aspects of life.

The Bishops reflected on the theme of the day, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” and noted the transformative potential of AI while stressing its limitations in instilling ethical values in learners.

“Technology, including AI, must always complement and support human endeavors, rather than overshadow them,” they said, and added, “To achieve this, we must apply rigorous ethical principles to guarantee that AI serves the common good, respects human dignity, upholds our values, and preserves the vital roles that individuals play in shaping the future.”

Acknowledging that AI cannot replicate essential human qualities such as compassion, moral direction, and guidance, the Bishops urged stakeholders to ensure that technological advancements prioritize the common good and human dignity.

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“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, the Bishops said, adding that taming AI will ensure that the human person is the primary consideration in shaping the future.

In the statement that Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, Director of Church & Society, and Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, Director, Social Communications, cosigned, the Bishops reiterated the fundamental right to education for every child and urged the Nigerian government to address the crisis of out-of-school children.

 “Education is an inalienable right that must be accessible to every child,” they said, calling on authorities to foster partnerships with religious organizations and other stakeholders to establish schools and scholarships, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The CBCN commended efforts by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based groups in advancing educational initiatives. They highlighted the Catholic Church’s contribution to holistic education, which has shaped individuals and communities over the years.

The Bishops also reminded parents of their primary responsibility in educating their children, emphasizing the need to instill values such as honesty, respect for human dignity, compassion, contentment, responsibility, self-discipline, and reverence for God.

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In the one-page statement, the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria explained how the values aforementioned shape children’s development and equip them to become agents of positive change.

“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 and leveraging education as a tool for transformation, the Bishops underscored the importance of building a just and equitable society.

They emphasized that education rooted in ethical principles can lay the foundation for 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 Catholic Bishops in Africa’s most populous nation said.

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.