Professor of Ethics and Values, Rev. Fr. Professor Nicholas Ojoajogwu Okpe of Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyingba (PAUU), has declared that no matter how effective artificial intelligence technology becomes, it can never replace human intelligence. He called for the protection of human dignity as the foundation for the ethical development and deployment of AI.
Inaugural Lecture Highlights
Prof. Okpe made the call at the 20th Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, titled “Imago Dei: The Dignity of the Human Being in the Ethical Universum of 21st Century Artificial Intelligence,” held on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, at the University Auditorium. He examined the ethical, philosophical, and theological implications of emerging AI technologies on humanity.
In his presentation, Prof. Okpe explained that technological innovations throughout history have consistently challenged humanity’s understanding of itself. He noted that the emergence of AI represents one of the most significant ethical and anthropological questions of the modern era. He described “Imago Dei” as the Christian belief that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, stressing that this unique status gives every person inherent dignity, worth, and moral responsibility.
According to him, any meaningful discussion on AI must begin with a proper understanding of the human person. He emphasized that human dignity cannot be reduced to utility, performance, or technological efficiency. The inaugural lecturer identified conscience as an indispensable moral compass that guides ethical decision-making, arguing that intelligent machines, regardless of their capabilities, cannot replace human moral responsibility and accountability.
Evolution and Risks of AI
Prof. Okpe traced the evolution of AI from Information AI and Agentic AI to Physical AI and the emerging concept of Conscious AI. He highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with increasingly autonomous technologies. He warned that AI poses significant threats to human dignity through the instrumentalisation of persons, erosion of autonomy, surveillance, invasion of privacy, economic displacement, algorithmic bias, and the blurring of distinctions between humans and machines.
Drawing from theological, philosophical, and ethical perspectives, Prof. Okpe emphasized that AI must be developed and governed within frameworks that prioritize justice, transparency, accountability, human rights, and the common good. He stressed that technology should remain a servant of humanity rather than its master, insisting that whenever conflicts arise between efficiency and human dignity, dignity must prevail.
Call for Global Dialogue
The inaugural lecturer advocated for a global ethical and spiritual dialogue involving theologians, philosophers, scientists, policymakers, technology developers, and community leaders to collectively shape a human-centred future for AI. He concluded that the future of AI should focus on enhancing human creativity, wisdom, justice, and compassion, while preserving the sacred worth of every human.
University Leadership Commends Lecture
Earlier, Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. Sunday Salifu Arogba, congratulated the inaugural lecturer on attaining this prestigious academic milestone. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the lecture topic as timely, relevant, and intellectually compelling. He noted that AI had become one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century with implications for education, healthcare, governance, security, business, and scientific research.
He stated that the lecture reinforced the responsibility of universities to provide intellectual leadership on emerging global challenges and commended Prof. Okpe for his scholarly contributions to ethical discourse and character formation. The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the Chairman and members of the Inaugural Lecture Committee for sustaining the University’s culture of scholarship and intellectual engagement.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of the inaugural lecture certificate, plaque, and medal to the lecturer. The lecture attracted members of the University Management, Senate, academic staff, students, royal fathers, religious leaders, and distinguished guests from within and outside the University community.
