Professor Akachi Ezeigbo of the University of Lagos has raised concerns about the impact of technology on knowledge production and urged for increased vigilance.
In a recent statement, Ezeigbo lamented the growing use of technology by students to bypass examination rules and secure competitive advantages. She highlighted the role of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Gemini, as well as online services that offer pre-written essays for sale, which have become common in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Despite these challenges, Ezeigbo praised the seven finalists of the Mike Okonkwo Annual Essay Competition for their original thinking and genuine engagement with the essay topic. She emphasized the need to support and reward such critical and creative contributions to foster genuine knowledge production.
Out of the 551 essays submitted for this year’s competition on “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions,” 341 showed clear evidence of rule infractions. Only seven candidates qualified for the second round, where they were tasked with writing on “Protest Against Misgovernance: The Gains and the Pains.”
The winners of the competition were:
- Flourish Olaoye from Christ the King International School, Gbagada, who received N500,000, a trophy, and a plaque. Her school also received a set of computers.
- Nora Femi-Lawal from Chrisland High School, Lekki, who was awarded N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.
- Esther Olayimika from Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who earned N150,000 and a plaque, and her school received a computer set.
- Other finalists were awarded consolation prizes of N20,000 each.
In the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, Kanu Agabi (SAN) discussed Nigeria’s challenges, including corruption, constitutional disregard, and electoral difficulties. He emphasized the need for citizens to drive change and for leaders to have a clear vision for the country’s future.
The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was established in 2004 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of TREM.