A computing professional and researcher in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, Dr Josephine Mebawondu, has urged computer science graduates to embrace ethical innovation and uphold professional standards in their careers.
Mebawondu gave the advice on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled, “Ethical Innovation for Professional Leadership”, at the second induction ceremony for graduates of the Department of Computer Science, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.
She said ethical innovation went beyond avoiding harm or complying with regulatory requirements, describing it as a fundamental aspect of professional leadership.
According to her, computing professionals must ensure that technological innovations are not only technically effective but also morally defensible, transparent and trustworthy.
She explained that while developing an accurate detection model demonstrated technical competence, ensuring that the model was free from bias, protected users’ privacy and allowed its decisions to be explained and challenged demonstrated responsible leadership.
The senior lecturer at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, urged researchers to set standards that promoted both technological advancement and ethical responsibility.
“Every certified computer professional must endeavour to demonstrate good leadership qualities and embrace ethical innovation worthy of emulation by the next generation.
“This is the kind of leadership our digital economy urgently needs; not leadership that pursues innovation for its own sake, but leadership that asks critical questions at every stage of development,” she said.
Mebawondu said computing professionals must consider who benefited from a technological system, who might be harmed by it and how it could be designed to promote trust rather than functionality alone.
She urged the graduating students and inductees into the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN) not to separate their technical training from ethical development.
“As you pursue research in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or any domain that affects human lives on a large scale, ask yourselves not only how to make a system work better, but how to make it worthy of the trust placed in it,” she said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, commended the guest lecturer for her insightful presentation.
Ayodele, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Development), Prof. Michael Oke, said the induction ceremony underscored the importance of the CPN in regulating and advancing the computing profession in Nigeria.
He described science as the bedrock of technology and technology as a vital instrument for transforming various aspects of human life.
The vice chancellor said the university management had commenced plans to unbundle the Department of Computer Science into specialised programmes, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
He urged the inductees to uphold professionalism, integrity and innovation, stressing that their technical expertise must be guided by strong ethical values.
“As computer scientists, you are problem identifiers, problem solvers, innovators and critical thinkers. Nigeria and the world look up to you for solutions.
“Embrace continuous learning because technology is constantly evolving. Stay curious, be honest and strive for excellence in all you do,” he said.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Oladimeji Ademilua, congratulated the inductees, their parents and guardians on the occasion.
Ademilua said the faculty would support the department in sustaining the annual induction ceremony, noting its commitment to quality teaching and professional training.
He also commended the vice chancellor for providing an enabling environment for the development of staff and students.
Similarly, the Acting Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Mary Yerokun, said professional certification and ethical conduct were essential in the computing industry, particularly amid growing concerns about the responsible use of technology.
Yerokun said 112 students from the 2022 matriculation set would be inducted as graduate members of the CPN.
She appealed to the university management to unbundle the department into six programmes: Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Computer Science.
The acting head thanked the university management, lecturers, non-academic staff, students, the National Association of Computing Students (NACOSS) and the department’s alumni for their contributions to the success of the ceremony.
She also appreciated parents and guardians for entrusting the university with the education and training of their children.
In his address, the Registrar of the CPN, Mr Adebayo Adegbiji, congratulated the inductees and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the university.
Adegbiji, represented by Chief Toyin Komolafe, advised the inductees to be hardworking, diligent and explore the various career opportunities available in computer science.
He also appealed to the university management to establish specialised programmes in the department to enhance the competitiveness of its graduates.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the registrar administered the induction oath to the graduating students.
The council also presented a cash award of N100,000 to the department’s best graduating student, Bakare Abdulhamid, and offered to sponsor his professional examination.
Other outstanding students received awards of excellence presented by the vice chancellor.
