Crescent University Convocation: Justice Abiru Advocates Responsible AI Use in Justice Delivery

 

Aina Obasanjo 

Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru has called for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the administration of justice, warning that technological advancement must not undermine constitutional rights, fairness and human dignity.

Justice Abiru made the call while delivering the 18th Convocation Lecture of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Speaking on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Justice: Building a Fair Society in the Digital Age,” the jurist said AI could improve access to legal information, enhance judicial administration and reduce delays in the justice delivery system if properly regulated.

He cautioned that the technology could also reinforce discrimination, compromise privacy and produce unfair decisions when deployed without adequate safeguards.

Justice Abiru stressed that artificial intelligence should assist, rather than replace, human judgment, particularly in judicial proceedings where decisions have far-reaching consequences for people's rights and liberties.

He maintained that the constitutional guarantees of fair hearing, privacy and freedom from discrimination remained applicable, regardless of whether decisions were made by human beings or supported by computer systems.

The Supreme Court Justice also called for stronger measures to address algorithmic bias, protect personal data and ensure that decisions influenced by AI could be explained and challenged.

On criminal justice, he emphasised that technological predictions must not be treated as proof of guilt, insisting that the presumption of innocence and established rules of evidence must remain fundamental to the administration of justice.

Justice Abiru urged Nigerian universities to strengthen research and training in artificial intelligence, data protection, cybersecurity and digital evidence to prepare graduates for the changing demands of the digital age.

He also advised the graduands to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining critical thinking, professional ethics and independent judgment.

Earlier, the Proprietor  and Chairman Board of Trustees of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Adesegun Ajibola had noted that  the institution was intensifying efforts to make its colleges Centres of Excellence by 2030, when the university will celebrate its Silver Jubilee.

Prince Ajibola reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, improved infrastructure and the production of graduates equipped with sound character and learning.

He said the university’s growing reputation had continued to attract increased patronage and support from stakeholders, particularly regulatory bodies.

Addressing the graduating students, Prince Ajibola reminded them that they were ambassadors of Crescent University and urged them to uphold the institution’s values by demonstrating good character and academic excellence wherever they found themselves.

In an address, the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila announced that the institution graduated eight hundred and ninety-seven students at its 18th Convocation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Professor Gbajabiamila  announced that the university had successfully undergone resource verification for four degree programmes: B.Sc. Cybersecurity, B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Professor Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are sound in character and learning, stressing that the institution upholds the principle that failure in character amounts to failure in all.