Former President of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande (GCON), has urged journalists to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their professional practice.
Professor Muhammad Bande made the call at the 1st Mass Communication International Conference with the theme, “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, held at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
He said the media performs three major functions: educating, informing, and entertaining the public.
According to him, while the media remains important, technology is the key driving force of the modern world, and AI has brought information and communication closer to the people.
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Professor Muhammad-Bande stressed the need for proper regulation of AI, especially in journalism, to ensure adherence to ethical standards and prevent the dissemination of harmful or misleading information.
Productivity, Innovation
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Kehbuma Langmia, a double Fulbright Scholar and Dean of the School of Communications at Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States, urged media organisations to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing productivity and innovation.
He advised African students to develop AI-driven social media platforms and digital content in their indigenous languages to promote African cultures and perspectives globally.
Professor Langmia noted that AI is a tool designed to assist human beings and should not be seen as a replacement for human intelligence and creativity.
He also called on the university management to make the conference an annual event and to establish partnerships with foreign universities to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration on AI-related research.
Technological revolution
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Professor Bashir Garba (MFR) said the world is experiencing a technological revolution driven by AI, noting that people now rely on smartphones, computers, and AI-powered tools in their daily activities, including news gathering.
Professor Garba observed that while the media has traditionally served as society’s storyteller, AI now has the capacity to generate vast amounts of information, making it necessary to address its potential negative effects on the younger generation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr Nasir Danladi Bako, said the Department of Mass Communication was established in 2013 and has since developed facilities, including a campus radio station and university newspapers.
He noted that although AI offers numerous benefits, stakeholders must also examine its negative aspects and develop strategies to minimise associated risks.
In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawal Zayyanu, advised participants, particularly journalists, to fear Allah and uphold truth, fairness, and responsibility in their reportage.
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