AI is here to stay: why higher education must embrace artificial intelligence

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms society, many universities have responded by banning its use outright, choosing prohibition over adaptation. Rather than capitalising on AI's immense potential, these institutions have opted to restrict the use of AI out of fear of misuse. Yet, according to Dr Jabu Mtsweni, Head of the Information and Cyber Security Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), AI is not a threat to higher education but rather an essential part of its future.

These insights were shared at an event hosted by the University of Pretoria's Department of Library Services, titled "AI tech in higher education: a friend and a foe". Mtsweni emphasised that "the key is not to fear AI but to harness its potential in ways that uphold academic integrity and innovation. By embedding AI thoughtfully into our educational systems, we can transform the learning experience, empowering students and educators to engage more deeply with their fields. This approach preserves academic values and encourages critical thinking, preparing students to navigate a future where AI is an essential tool."

Beyond the assistance that AI offers educators, Mtsweni underscored AI's broader impact on democratising access to high-quality education, enabling personalised learning experiences for students regardless of location or socio-economic status. "AI can democratise education," he explained, "offering tools that enable students to engage with material in ways that were previously unimaginable." These capabilities are especially valuable in resource-limited environments, where AI-driven educational platforms can bridge long-standing gaps in learning and accessibility.

While he emphasised AI's potential to reshape education, Mtsweni also recognised the challenges it presents. The ethical use of AI is a significant concern, as fears of academic dishonesty have driven some institutions to ban tools like ChatGPT altogether. Another pressing issue is data privacy; AI often requires large datasets, raising concerns about how student data is collected, stored, and utilised. Students may also over-rely on AI tools, potentially diminishing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

To address these challenges, Mtsweni recommended that institutions develop comprehensive policies and guidelines that clarify ethical AI use and offer training to empower both students and staff to leverage AI responsibly. He also suggested that universities establish AI literacy programmes to help students and staff understand AI's capabilities and limitations, fostering an environment that encourages innovation without compromising ethics.

As AI continues to shape the future of higher education, the message from the event was clear: embracing and adapting to AI is no longer optional. For institutions aiming to stay at the forefront of academic excellence, AI is critical in navigating the future of learning in a rapidly evolving world.