By Prof. Oswald Seneadza, Faculty of Law, KNUST
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and learn. Yet amid the hype, we risk losing sight of an essential truth: human skill, judgment, and education remain irreplaceable.
Recent viral videos and speeches on social media have fueled fears that within a decade, AI will fully replace Human Intelligence (HI), making academic degrees irrelevant. These claims, though dramatic, lack credible evidence. AI is powerful—it can generate ideas, analyse data, suggest solutions, and provide vast information across disciplines. But when it comes to applying that knowledge in real life, the human factor is non-negotiable.
A machine may draft a contract, suggest medical treatments, or provide diagnostic options. But it cannot argue a case in court, perform surgery, dispense medication responsibly, or make ethical, context-driven decisions. These require professional expertise, practical skills, and a conscience—all nurtured through formal education. Far from rendering education obsolete, AI makes it even more vital.
2. AI’s Limitations
Despite its capabilities, AI falls short in areas that define humanity:
(a) Creativity and Originality – AI can mimic patterns but lacks true innovation, intuition, and emotional depth.
(b) Emotional Intelligence and Empathy – Machines cannot understand or genuinely connect with human emotions.
(c) Complex Problem-Solving – Humans adapt to new, uncertain challenges; AI relies on pre-set algorithms.
(d) Ethical Decision-Making – Moral judgment is shaped by human experience, culture, and values—AI cannot replicate this.
(e) Interpersonal Connection – Trust, compassion, and relationship-building remain uniquely human.
(f) Tacit Knowledge – Hands-on expertise and intuition gained from lived experience cannot be codified into algorithms.
These limitations affirm that AI is a tool—powerful, but ultimately dependent on human oversight. Unless AI becomes human, it cannot override us.
3. Universities and the AI Challenge
To keep education relevant and guard against over-reliance on AI, universities must adapt:
(a) Redesign Assignments – Break projects into stages, personalise tasks, and prioritise critical thinking.
(b) Teach AI Literacy – Embed ethical use, digital literacy, and awareness of AI’s biases into the curriculum.
(c) Set Clear Policies – Define acceptable AI use, involve students in creating guidelines, and provide integrity support.
(d) Diversify Assessments – Use oral exams, project-based tasks, and frequent smaller evaluations.
(e) Encourage Reflection – Combine AI-assisted learning with independent thinking and critical evaluation.
4. Conclusion
The rise of AI has not diminished the value of education. On the contrary, it underscores the need for creativity, empathy, ethical reasoning, and complex problem-solving—skills that only human learning can cultivate. Education remains central to preparing individuals to work alongside AI, not in its shadow.
5. The Way Forward
The future lies not in competing with AI but in complementing it. Professionals and students must embrace re-skilling, focusing on AI literacy while sharpening uniquely human competencies. Universities and policymakers must adapt curricula to ensure AI enhances, rather than undermines, professional expertise.
The challenge is balance: harnessing AI’s strengths while safeguarding the irreplaceable value of human judgment and experience. The more we integrate AI wisely, the more we reaffirm why human intelligence matters.
Source: Prof Oswald Seneadza
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