Nigerian AI researcher champions ethical artificial intelligence at COPA AI 2026 summit in Wales

Nigerian Master’s research student at Bangor University, Ighodalo Uyi Ebhodaghe, has highlighted the importance of ethics and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) at the COPA AI 2026 Summit, urging businesses to prioritise trust, transparency and accountability as they integrate AI into their operations.

Ebhodaghe was among the featured speakers at the one-day summit held on 15 July at AberInnovation in Aberystwyth.

The event, organised by Business Wales and fully funded by the Welsh Government, brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, technology experts and AI innovators to explore practical ways small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can confidently adopt artificial intelligence to improve productivity and innovation.

The summit featured keynote addresses, live demonstrations, expert-led workshops and networking opportunities designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools required to harness AI responsibly.

Speaking during an afternoon session titled “Ethics and Responsible AI,” Ebhodaghe challenged businesses to look beyond the technological capabilities of artificial intelligence and consider the ethical implications of deploying systems capable of recognising, interpreting and responding to human emotions.

Drawing on his academic research, he stressed that AI technologies designed to influence or respond to emotional behaviour carry significant ethical responsibilities, making governance, transparency and public trust essential components of successful AI adoption.

According to Ebhodaghe, organisations must ensure that the rapid deployment of AI is matched by equally robust ethical standards that protect users while maintaining confidence in emerging technologies.

His presentation formed part of a distinguished programme that included contributions from leading technology organisations such as Google Cloud, Pugh Computers and Wingenious, while internationally renowned AI researcher Professor Steve Whittaker delivered the summit’s keynote address.

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Bangor University’s School of Arts, Culture and Language, Ebhodaghe’s research focuses on emotional AI and persuasive technologies in political journalism.

His work examines how artificial intelligence influences public communication, decision-making and media trust—issues that are becoming increasingly important as AI tools become more integrated into everyday business and public life.

His academic contributions have already gained recognition, having previously presented his research at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science Postgraduate Research (CAHSS PGR) Conference.

Before embarking on postgraduate research in the United Kingdom, Ebhodaghe built a distinguished career spanning more than a decade in Nigerian broadcast journalism. His extensive newsroom experience has provided him with practical insights into the influence of persuasive communication technologies, strengthening his academic work on AI ethics and media integrity.

He is also the author of two publications—The Principles of Fact-Checking, a practical handbook for journalists and media students, and Broadcast Programming and Production, which draws from his professional experience in Nigerian television broadcasting.

The COPA AI 2026 Summit was designed to provide Welsh SMEs with practical guidance on integrating AI into their operations. Alongside technical demonstrations and innovation showcases, participants attended workshops covering topics such as effective AI-assisted business communication, including a session titled “Write Like Your Business, Not Like a Robot.”

Ebhodaghe’s contribution provided an important ethical perspective to the event, reinforcing the view that successful AI adoption requires more than technical expertise. It demands responsible governance, transparency and a commitment to building public confidence in rapidly evolving technologies.

His participation at the summit marks another significant milestone in translating academic research on artificial intelligence, media trust and ethical governance into practical discussions that can help shape the future of AI adoption by businesses and communities alike.