Artificial Intelligence in Academia: A Tool of Empowerment — or Erosion? Artificial intelligence is no longer a speculative adjunct to education; it is a central force reshaping the infrastructure of academic life. Proponents hail its promise — improved productivity, personalised learning, and enhanced student autonomy. Yet as AI tools become more embedded in the academic environment, critical scrutiny becomes imperative. The technology is evolving rapidly, but the pedagogical frameworks surrounding it remain in flux. The adoption of AI in education demands a more nuanced interrogation: not whether these tools are useful — many clearly are — but whether their widespread use is fostering deeper intellectual engagement or quietly displacing it….