At the maiden Registry Lecture held at McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, Dr. Falade Adesola of the Software Engineering Department emphasized the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping university administration. In his lecture titled “AI in Modern University Administration: Perspectives on Trends and Ethics,” Dr. Adesola described AI as a transformative force, capable of revolutionizing how universities function, but warned that its application must be tempered with ethical foresight.
He began by defining AI as the ability of machines to mimic human intelligence in performing tasks such as reasoning, learning, and decision-making. Citing Somerville (2024), he explained that AI is now central to institutional operations, supporting complex functions previously handled by humans. He noted that universities worldwide are adopting AI tools to enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and deliver more personalized student services.
Highlighting practical applications, Dr. Adesola listed how AI is used in university admissions to screen candidates and predict student success, in academic advising through chatbots and virtual assistants, and in administrative decision-making by supporting budgeting, forecasting, and faculty workload planning. “AI empowers institutions to make data-informed decisions at scale,” he said, referencing studies by Garcia (2023) and Smith (2021).
He also touched on “smart campus initiatives” where AI technologies like facial recognition, IoT integration, and automated systems help manage campus facilities, security, and energy use. These advancements, he said, are not futuristic dreams but current realities in institutions around the globe.
Delving into the latest trends, Dr. Adesola mentioned that universities are increasingly turning to AI for data-driven insights and predictive analytics. He noted that these tools help identify students at risk of dropping out, optimize course offerings, and reduce administrative bottlenecks. He added that automation, especially in grading and scheduling, has reduced staff workloads and operational costs.
However, the lecturer emphasized that this rapid adoption of AI also raises serious ethical questions. He warned about the dangers of algorithmic bias, the misuse of student data, and lack of transparency in AI systems. “When AI decisions affect admissions or student evaluations, transparency and accountability become non-negotiable,” he asserted, citing Torresc (2022) and Ahmed & Robinson (2021).
Dr. Adesola called for robust governance structures, including ethics boards and AI policy frameworks, to guide the responsible use of AI in education. He urged universities to build inclusive and diverse datasets to avoid discriminatory outcomes and to ensure AI use aligns with global data privacy standards such as the GDPR. In conclusion, he reiterated that while AI holds immense potential for transforming higher education, its integration must be done responsibly. “The future of university administration lies in ethical innovation. We must not trade student trust for technological convenience,” he stated. His lecture left attendees with a clear message: AI is here to stay, but its power must be used wisely.
