Alert: Don’t rely on AI for writing, it kills authenticity, creativity
DODOMA: STUDENTS across the country have been cautioned against using Artificial Intelligence (AI), to write essays for regional competitions, saying the act amounts to cheating and will lead to disqualification.
The caution came from Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Hussein Omar, during a ceremony in Dodoma on Sunday to award winners of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) essay writing competitions for 2023 and 2024.
Dr Omar stressed that relying on AI-generated content in essay writing removes originality and authenticity, which are key aspects of creativity and learning.
“Using AI may appear to simplify the task, but it is a form of dishonesty that removes authenticity and will get you expelled from the competition,” he stressed.
He, however, encouraged students to use digital tools responsibly for research purposes, noting that reliable information about both communities is available on their official websites.
“I am greatly pleased to learn that our students have emerged among the top regional performers in both the EAC and SADC essay competitions. This demonstrates their commitment and understanding of regional integration matters,” he said.
Dr Omar commended Tanzanian students for their impressive performance in regional contests, citing Ms Hollo Alice Kadalla of Msalato Secondary School, who emerged third in the 2023 SADC essay competition, and Ms Blandina Kabalemesa, who finished fourth regionally in the 2024 EAC competition.
“These are proud moments for our nation. Your hard work has raised Tanzania’s flag high,” he said, urging more students to participate in next year’s EAC essay contest, which will be written in Kiswahili, English and French.
He encouraged French-medium schools to motivate students to write in French since few entries are submitted in that language.
He further directed heads of schools and essay coordinators to ensure that students strictly follow the official guidelines, saying many entries are often disqualified at the national level for non-compliance.
He also urged teachers to support students with special needs to fully participate, assuring that experts are available to interpret their work.
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Dr Omar further expressed appreciation to the EAC and SADC Secretariats for organising the competitions, noting that the initiative provides students with the opportunity to learn about regional cooperation and integration.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Education Dr Lyabwene Mtahabwa revealed that a total of 1,096 students took part in the 2023 EAC and SADC essay contests and 892 students in 2024.
He said 20 national winners, ten from each competition, will receive ministerial prizes, compared with the past when only three top winners were awarded.
He added that essays are assessed by expert panels from the mainland and Zanzibar, with SADC entries handled by the Ministries of Education and EAC entries by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA).
“The expanded recognition has motivated more students to take part, which is vital for nurturing future leaders aware of regional and global dynamics,” Dr Mtahabwa said.
