Date: May 3, 2025
Venue: Kano State Polytechnic
Participants: 135
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on the 3 rd May, 2025
organized a one-day sensitization program for students of Mass Communication, Kano State
Polytechnic in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. The event focused on the year’s
theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press
Freedom and the Media.”
The event began with opening remarks by the Executive Director of CITAD, represented by Ali
Sabo, Campaigns Communication Officer of the organization. In his speech, Mr. Sabo
emphasized that the 2025 theme highlights the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
on press freedom. He noted that while AI supports journalism, it also raises serious ethical
concerns. AI lacks human sensitivity and can misrepresent stories, leading to misinformation,
distortion of facts, and potential job losses in the media industry.
He stressed the importance of equipping students with the knowledge to use AI tools
responsibly and to face emerging challenges in the media landscape. He encouraged students
to be creative, innovative, and hardworking so they can harness AI as a tool rather than be
replaced by it.
The chair of the session, Ali Isa of MetroGate Innovations, highlighted that AI is already
performing journalistic roles in other countries, a trend gradually emerging in Nigeria. “We are
heading toward a future where journalists might not write the news themselves but instead
supervise AI-generated content,” He emphasized that journalists must understand these tools,
detect algorithmic bias, and ensure that ethical standards are maintained. “AI can support
journalism, but it should never control the narrative. Journalism must remain human at its core
fact-checked, balanced, and accountable.
The first speaker, Maryam Muhammad from the Department of Mass Communication, Maryam
Abacha University, Kano, discussed the differences between AI and human intelligence. She
explored the implications of AI in journalism, such as unemployment, disinformation, fake
news, voice cloning, and the creation of fake images. She also offered solutions for avoiding
these implications, encouraging students to create authentic documentary stories, podcasts,
and original content.
The second speaker, Salihu Sule Khalid, also from the Department of Mass Communication,
elaborated on how AI can enhance journalism by improving efficiency, aiding content creation,
and reducing operational costs. However, he warned that AI could undermine democracy by
amplifying dominant voices and spreading misinformation, thereby threatening pluralism and
societal cohesion.
He advised journalists to embrace AI as a tool, stressing the importance of creativity, ethical
practices, and human oversight in ensuring its responsible use. “It’s vital that journalists use AI
carefully and uphold ethical principles.”
The students actively engaged in the session, asking questions and participating in discussions
with the speakers.
In conclusion, the event ended with a collective call for caution in integrating AI into journalism.
The speakers emphasized the need to strike a balance between technological advancements
and ethical journalism to preserve the integrity of the press.
