Soyinka warns AI could dehumanise society, urges scientists to protect human imagination

Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has warned scientists and technology developers against letting artificial intelligence erode human creativity and imagination.

He spoke on Friday at the 2026 Nigerian Prize Awards Night, organised by Nigeria LNG Limited in Lagos, where the theme was Heritage.

Soyinka said AI can help human progress, but that it becomes dangerous when it starts writing people's theses and poetry. He called for science and the humanities to work together, with the philosophy of creativity guiding how AI is developed and used.

He also urged NLNG to consider a special consolation prize to recognise and protect human creativity as AI grows. He closed by asking that machines be humanised, instead of letting machines reduce humanity.

Sources: ARISE News, ThisDay, PM News.