The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) has released its Draft Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and Adoption of AI Declaration Form for Postgraduate Students.
While embracing AI as a valuable supportive tool for learning, research, and administration, the policy establishes clear boundaries to protect academic integrity, research ethics, and student privacy.
Key Highlights of the New Policy:
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Permissible AI Applications: Postgraduate students may use approved AI tools (such as Mendeley AI, Claude, Research Rabbit, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek, among others) for brainstorming, research gap identification, language polishing, data analysis, coding support, and literature mapping.
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AI Usage Thresholds: Thesis and dissertation AI usage must not exceed approved limits, categorized by faculty and degree:
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Sciences/Engineering: PDE/PGDE/M.Phil (30%), MSc (35%), PhD (40%)
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Other Faculties: PDE/PGDE/M.Phil (25%), MSc (30%), PhD (35%)
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Works exceeding these thresholds will be referred to the FUDMA Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AICE) for guidance.
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Strict Prohibitions: AI tools must not be used to ghostwrite entire chapters, fabricate data/references, plagiarize, bypass critical analysis, or take examinations and viva defenses. AI cannot be listed as an author or co-author.
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Mandatory Clearance & Fees: All postgraduate students must pay the prescribed AI proofreading and clearance fees (N20,000 for PhD and N10,000 for PGD/PGDE/M.Phil/MA/MSc) to the FUDMA Consult Unit and obtain an AICE clearance certificate before results can be approved.
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Data Privacy Compliance: All research involving personal or sensitive data must strictly comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, prohibiting the upload of vulnerable data to public, non-compliant AI platforms.
Postgraduate students, supervisors, and administrative staff are advised to familiarize themselves with the full guidelines to ensure compliance with the university’s evolving standards.