Generative AI is no longer a distant promise; it is an immediate reality. The pressing question is not whether we will engage with it, but how wisely, ethically, and courageously we choose to do so.

From 12–13 December 2025, the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) in Huye convened its 12th Annual Scientific Week, a landmark two-day conference under the theme:

“Generative AI in Education: Rethinking Quality in Teaching, Learning, Assessment, and Research, Policy, Ethics, and Innovation.”

The event brought together a diverse and distinguished assembly of scholars, students, policymakers, scientists, innovators, and institutional partners from across the African continent. It was a gathering that transcended traditional academic discourse, offering a space where faith, ethics, and technological innovation intersected to address pressing educational and societal challenges.

Wisdom, Scholarship, and the Courage to Rethink

The conference opened with a spirit of reflection, rooted in Psalm 90:12, emphasizing the importance of “numbering our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This invocation set a foundational tone: embracing artificial intelligence responsibly as an act of wisdom and foresight.

Dr. Emmanuel Bizimana, Director of Research at PUR, welcomed participants and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of partners whose support has sustained the Scientific Week for twelve consecutive years. He underscored the conference’s objective: to unite African scientists in proposing practical, technology-driven solutions to academic challenges.

The official opening was delivered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olu Ojedekun, who described the attendees as “change-makers and scientific heroes.” He urged participants to forge meaningful connections, learn collaboratively, and recognize their shared responsibility: “We are the ones to solve the problems of this continent and the world.” He concluded with a compelling question: “After this, what’s next?”

The first paper, “The Impact of Generative AI on the Evolution of Research Methodologies and Academic Writing,” presented by Dr Jonathan Ngugi (UNILAK, RWANDA), examined the transformative potential of AI while emphasizing the need for academic integrity, formal training, and comprehensive institutional AI policies.

Attention then turned to institutional practice through “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Higher Learning Institution Quality Assurance,” a case study of PUR presented by Prof. Dr. Gloriose Umuziranenge and Mr. Serge Muvunyi. Their work underscored the importance of aligning AI adoption with robust quality assurance frameworks.

One of the most engaging sessions of the day came from Mr. Patrick Kofi Benyin, whose paper examined the role of generative AI in advancing, or hindering, decolonized teaching and learning in Rwandan private higher education. A central question emerged during the discussion:
Should AI become a new tool of colonization, or should African institutions actively shape it within their own contexts and realities?

They concluded with reflections, gratitude, and a shared sense of intellectual momentum.

Faith, Innovation, and Practical Action

The second day began with renewed energy and theological reflection rooted in Imago Dei, the belief that human beings are created in the image of God. Participants were reminded that innovation, reason, and spirituality are not opposing forces, but complementary paths toward serving and transforming the world.

Quoting Anselm of Canterbury’s famous insight, “Fides quaerens intellectum” (faith seeking understanding), the message emphasized that responsible use of AI is a continuation of humanity’s search for understanding, not a departure from faith.

The keynote address by Hon. Dr. Gihana Donatha brought the discussion firmly into lived reality. She reflected on how AI is already transforming everyday life. She warned that using AI without understanding its purpose and limits amounts to a form of academic and ethical corruption. Referencing the growing presence of AI tools, such as Meta AI embedded in communication platforms, she emphasized a crucial truth: whether we choose it or not, AI is already among us.

The day featured a rich array of paper presentations spanning teacher professional development, pedagogical innovation, assessment in the age of AI, leadership, inclusivity, and academic integrity.

A particularly forward-looking contribution came from Mr. Moise Iradukunda in his paper, “Towards Transformative AI Integration in Higher Education: From Paper Knowledge to Real-World Innovation.” He challenged universities to move from static archives to societal impact, advocating for innovation hubs and digital dissemination centers such as Christian Broadcasting Nexus (CBN), and the practical use of AI to amplify student and institutional research beyond campus walls.

Before lunch, Prof. Ignace Gatare, Principal of the University of Rwanda, delivered a memorable address:

“The AI revolution is a reality. Do not try to hide from it—otherwise, you will be like an ostrich.”

He defined generative AI as a class of systems built on large language models capable of generating human-like content based on vast datasets, and outlined its applications across education, climate action, health, and other sectors. Drawing on the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, he emphasized continuous improvement and reminded participants that technology is not a panacea. AI transformation, he stressed, will always require human judgment, ethical discernment, and responsibility. The afternoon sessions included parallel presentations covering AI in theology and Bible study, inclusive learning, assessment validity, consciousness and personhood in AI, and Africa’s transition into a technocratic age.

From Reflection to Implementation: What Comes Next?

The conference concluded with a comprehensive wrap-up by Dr. Emmanuel Bizimana, who acknowledged the presence, contributions, and intellectual rigor of all participants. In the final closing remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olu Ojedekun returned to his guiding question:

“After all of this, what’s next?”

His answer was unequivocal: action. Not tomorrow. Not by others. Now, and by ourselves. Knowledge must move from conference halls into classrooms, institutions, and communities.

 A Defining Milestone for PUR and African Higher Education

The 12th Annual Scientific Week stands as one of the most significant academic achievements in the history of the Protestant University of Rwanda. It affirmed that African universities are not passive observers of the AI revolution, but active and ethical shapers of its direction, rooted in faith, guided by scholarship, and driven by innovation.

Generative AI is here. At PUR, scientific heroes chose not to hide, but to confront it critically, responsibly, and courageously.

Written by: Moise IRADUKUNDA, Student at Protestant University of Rwanda