The University of the Lagunes held its solemn opening for the 2026-2027 academic year on October 5, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The event, themed "Artificial Intelligence: From Pedagogical Tool to Professional Challenge for Young Jurists and Managers," brought together university officials, teachers, students, and several guests. The inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr. Guillaume Tanh, a law doctor and high-ranking magistrate.
Dr. Tanh emphasized the importance of responsible use of artificial intelligence, stressing the need for students to verify information produced by digital tools. He explained that AI should not be considered comparable to human intelligence but rather as a tool that generates responses based on probabilities. Dr. Tanh warned that AI lacks ethics, intuition, and common sense, and can make mistakes, citing the phenomenon of "hallucinations" in AI.
The magistrate advised students not to take AI responses as established truths, recommending that they verify sources in their codes and manuals. He also cautioned against relying solely on AI for university work, as this can limit students' critical thinking, reasoning, and learning abilities. Instead, Dr. Tanh encouraged students to view AI as a means to enhance their talents, not a shortcut to validate exams without effort.
Dr. Tanh highlighted the need for students to verify AI-generated texts, references, and legal information to avoid errors in their future professional practice. He also noted that AI could transform various professions, including law, management, and economics, by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. To adapt to this evolution, Dr. Tanh recommended that students develop their human skills, such as empathy, oratory skills, negotiation, critical thinking, and decision-making.
The ceremony also featured a presentation of the 2025-2026 academic year results by University of the Lagunes President Dr. François Komoin, as well as the awarding of distinctions to top-performing students. The university, which comprises faculties of law, economics, management, and applied mathematics, rewarded outstanding students with prizes and tuition reductions.
President Dr. Komoin encouraged new students to prioritize hard work and achieve success from the first session to benefit from the university's rewards. The solemn opening concluded with a message of encouragement to students, urging them to prepare for the changes brought about by AI while maintaining their critical thinking and judgment skills.
The University of the Lagunes' emphasis on AI reflects its commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving job market. By integrating AI into its academic programs, the university aims to provide students with a competitive edge in their future careers. The event marked a significant milestone in the university's academic calendar, setting the tone for a year of growth and innovation.
Key points
- Dr. Guillaume Tanh emphasizes responsible AI use for University of the Lagunes students.
