Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Students undergoing law programmes in tertiary institutions have been warned against relying excessively on information generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), as it can ruin their legal career.
Legal luminary, Amaka Ezeno, gave the warning in Awka, during the maiden Dinner and Award ceremony of the Law Students Association (LAWSA) of the Paul University Awka.
Delivering a lecture on the theme: “AI Revolution: Impact of Artificial Intelligence on legal Practice,” Ezeno told students that AI-generated materials can be prone to errors, biases, and inaccuracies, which she said can have serious consequences in their practice of law.
She regretted that the tool has made many students lazy and no longer interested in extensive search for information, urging them to cultivate the attitude of thorough research, critical thinking, and analytical skills. She emphasised that these skills are essential for academic success and future careers, and that relying solely on AI-generated information can hinder their development.
“Students now prefer the shortcuts. In their hostels and with their cell phones, they are good to go. The use of AI even though highly recommended can sometimes be misleading. AI has cut down the creative aspect of research. It has made students lazy both in research and training and impacts negatively on their character.”
“As law students, we must be able to verify what we get from such a platform, think critically and analytically, and evaluate the credibility and reliability. Easily relying on AI-generated content can hinder your ability to develop these essential skills.
“A lawyer who relies excessively on AI-generated materials may end up providing substandard legal services, which can damage reputation and lead to legal and professional consequences.”
Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Reverend Professor Obiora Nwosu, urged students to be careful in the usage of the technology, noting that the technology in actual sense is not intelligent but regurgitates what it was fed by individuals who are mostly not professionals.
“AI in the real sense is not actually intelligent. It is garbage in and garbage out. We have to approach AI with care and not solely rely on it.”
Chibuike Okafo, Head of Public Law at Paul University, encouraged students to minimise reliance on artificial intelligence. He stressed the importance of being independent as a lawyer. He also urged the students to develop an open mind and to navigate courts without external influence.
Acknowledging AI’s benefits, Okafo warned that over-reliance on AI can hinder productivity and independence in the legal profession. He also called for regulation of AI in Nigeria, citing existing laws on piracy and copyright.
Earlier in his opening remark, Chairman of the occasion, Barr Nnamdi Anagor, commended the Paul University law faculty for the initiative, noting that the theme was apt and timely.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof Carol Arinze-Umeobi, said the event is hoped to be continued annually to promote a culture of intellectual discourse, critical thinking, and academic excellence among law students.
She expressed her optimism that the event would serve as a platform for students to engage with faculty members, industry experts, and peers on contemporary issues in law.
Ikengaonline reports that the unveiling of Faculty Journal, awards presentation, LAWSA pageantry, among others were the highpoints of the event.
