News Agency of Nigeria
Impact Hub encourages youths to use AI for empowerment
General News

Impact Hub encourages youths to use AI for empowerment

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

A Network, Impact Hub Abuja has urged youths across the country to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock new opportunities and gain empowerment.

The Founder, Mr Olalekan Oshunkoya, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said that harnessing AI would enable them drive innovation and growth in various fields.

Impact Hub is a network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for impact at scale.

Oshunkoya said that the Impact Hub Abuja brought together about 35 diverse youth leaders, advocates, policymakers and many others to discuss the opportunity in AI at the 2025 World Youth Skills Day.

“Our goal was to bring the best of our youths to the table to share ideas, insights and collectively explore how we can increase our understanding of AI’s impact in young people’s future.

“Also, how to use policy entrepreneurship to accelerate the power of AI to reduce youth unemployment and foster innovation.

“We want to identify threats to be mitigated, opportunities to be harnessed and actions that public, private, and youth actors can collaboratively take to support young people to thrive in an AI-powered world.

“We are locally rooted and globally connected and thus committed to using the incredible power of entrepreneurship, leadership, technology and collaboration for social good and contribution for a better world.

“That is why via our roundtable, we explored and gathered policy actions and ideas on how youth empowerment can be accelerated through Al and digital skills,” he said.

According to him, the Hub will continue the inclusive conversation on the potential of Al to help accelerate youth opportunity and empowerment through enhancement of digital skills, creativity, entrepreneurship and employability.

Oshunkoya recalled that during the roundtable, topics discussed included ‘AI and our World Today’, ‘Al and the Youth Opportunity’ and ‘Unlocking the Potential of Al’ to benefit young people in areas like education, employment, innovation, and inclusion.

“All these were explored to empower the youths on the advantages of AI and for them to use it to better themselves and the country at large, hence the call for them to do that,” the founder said. (NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Christiana Fadare

School urges institutional control of AI
General News

School urges institutional control of AI

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought has called for robust institutional control and management of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to harness its benefits while minimising potential risks.

Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the school, made the call during his lecture at the 2025 maiden edition of the Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition in Abuja.

The competition honoured Nduka Obaigbena, founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay Media Group and Arise News.

Amadi emphasised the need to govern both human and artificial intelligence effectively.

“The discussion underscores the importance of balancing intelligence with its applications to prevent disasters caused by misuse,” he said.

Highlighting the role of government and society, Amadi stressed the necessity of preserving creativity and control in AI development.

He also advocated for deeper discussions around freedom of information and press freedom in the digital age.

According to Amadi, AI tools are transforming journalism by enabling real-time fact-checking and helping journalists verify claims more efficiently.

“AI tools allow for the immediate cross-checking of information, helping journalists to verify claims and contradictions more efficiently,” he explained.

However, he warned about the risk of losing nuanced writing and originality, pointing out a shift from traditional fact-based journalism to narrative-driven reporting where truth becomes more contested.

Frank Tietie, Executive Director of the Centre for Advanced Social and Economic Research (CASER), which fully funded the competition, explained that the initiative aimed to inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in journalism and broadcasting, preserving human intelligence in the fields amid rising AI influence.

Tietie, speaking at the event, noted that the competition, initiated at Government College Ughelli, Obaigbena’s alma mater, also promoted constructive use of social media and deeper understanding of journalism’s impact.

He added that July 14, Obaigbena’s birthday, was a fitting occasion to celebrate his contributions to broadcasting.

The winners of the competition were Ray Mukoro (first place, 70 per cent), Princewill Kaiser (second place, 68 per cent), and Egarievwe Unique Efetobor (third place, 67 per cent).

Prof. Biodun Adeniyi, Professor of Communications at Baze University and the competition judge, lauded the winners as “the brightest hopes of Nigeria’s educational system and future of national thought leadership.”

He noted that 12 outstanding essays were shortlisted and carefully assessed on originality, insight, clarity, relevance, grammar, and reader engagement.

Adeniyi also commended Frank Tietie’s commitment to youth development and intellectual engagement through sponsoring the competition.

“By championing this initiative, Tietie has provided a meaningful platform for young Nigerians to celebrate the legacy of a national icon while discovering the power of their voices.

“This competition stands not only as a tribute to the life and legacy of Prince Nduka Obaigbena but also as a clarion call to Nigerian youths to write, reason, and dream,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS parliament seeks AI legal, education framework
Foreign

ECOWAS parliament seeks AI legal, education framework

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By Mark Longyen

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, has called for a strong legal framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) development across West Africa.

She made this call on Monday at a delocalised meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on education, science, and digital innovation.

The meeting’s theme is: ‘Prioritising Education Technology and Innovation in the ECOWAS Region’, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Represented by Second Deputy Speaker, Adjaratou Coulibaly, Ibrahima said the subregion must adopt new learning models to meet global technological demands.

She expressed hope that the Dakar discussions would support a clear recommendation for a community legal framework on artificial intelligence.

She said digital transformation and innovation, especially in education and must be prioritised to shape the future of the subregion.

“This aligns with our parliamentary mandate and the aspirations of West African citizens,” Ibrahima noted.

She recalled that the parliament adopted a Protocol on Education and Training in Dakar in 2003 to harmonise education and promote excellence.

Ibrahima said ECOWAS boasts a young, dynamic population, diverse cultures, and growing economies, but faces educational challenges.

“Traditional models of education are being questioned. We’ve progressed, but problems remain,” she said.

She cited poor infrastructure, digital inequality, and slow adoption by some member states as major obstacles.

“If Africa wants to join the global knowledge economy, every child must access digital tools from school,” she added.

She urged participants to develop concrete regional strategies that ensure inclusive digital learning.

“We must ask: what happens when AI replaces teachers? How do we humanise education?” she queried.

She stressed the importance of building a region where every child can learn, grow, and contribute to prosperity.

Also speaking, Senegal’s Minister of National Education, Moustapha Guirassy, urged Africa to become AI creators and regulators, not just consumers.

Guirassy said Senegal allocated 1,105 billion CFA to education, and 130 billion CFA specifically for digital education.

He said Senegal considers AI a central part of its education reform, supported by a new tech pact and national digital strategy (2025–2029).

He noted that AI is already being used to monitor school performance and that teachers have been trained in AI basics.

He added that sensitisation modules on algorithmic systems have been introduced for secondary students.

Guirassy proposed a West African Pact on AI use in education, guided by a regional ethical charter and African-language digital resources. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Use AI to showcase your talents, EU-backed initiative tells African artists
Science & Tech

Use AI to showcase your talents, EU-backed initiative tells African artists

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Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Science, Technology & the ARTS (S+T+ARTS) Afropean Intelligence, an initiative of the European Commission (EU), has urged African artists to explore Artificial Intelligence to showcase their talents.

Mr Oscar Ekponimo, Managing Director, Gallery of Code, the host institution for the S+T+ARTS 4 Africa, said this during a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Ekponimo said the S+T+ARTS 4 Africa had opened a platform through which interested artists could apply for support, adding that 10 selected applicants would get cash rewards to support their activities.

He said the beneficiaries would be expected to use their talents to promote the nexus among science, technology and arts (S+T+ARTS).

He said the beneficiaries were expected undergo the programme under a fully funded residency arrangement.

Ekponimo said the project offered a unique opportunity for the selected African artists to use the opportunities provided by AI to reach greater heights.

He said the programme would benefit artists with vision and commitment to social impact.

“The project seeks to explore themes of AI ethics, social justice and inclusivity.

“ This is not just about adding a technological veneer to existing practices; it is about a fundamental shift in how we conceive of the role of arts role in society.

“ We are seeking artists who are passionate about using their creative talents to analyse pressing social issues, challenge established narratives, and foster a more inclusive and equitable world,’’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been selected for the residency.

“ Artists from Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are encouraged to apply online at http://starts.eu/detail/starts-afropean-intelligence-residencies-program/ latest by July 27,’’ he told newsmen.

NAN reports that S+T+ARTS is an initiative of the European Commission (EU), set up under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

It seeks to support collaborations among artists, scientists, engineers and researchers. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Brazil unveils AI development programme at BRICS forum
Foreign

Brazil unveils AI development programme at BRICS forum

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Brazil has launched artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives at the BRICS High Level Forum on AI, co-organised with China.

The event discussed the prospects for technological development and cooperation in the Global South.

This was reported by the press service of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Brazil’s Secretary of Science and Technology for Digital Transformation Henrique Miguel presented the national programme on AI, focused on ethical, sustainable and independent development of technologies.

He said the strategy included the launch of one of the five most powerful supercomputers in the world, powered by renewable energy, as well as the creation of high-performance processors in collaboration with international partners.

“Our goal is to provide Brazil with advanced infrastructure, train highly skilled professionals, and stimulate innovation in strategic sectors,” Miguel said.

At the forum, representatives of the association’s countries presented key analytical documents, including a report on the prospects for AI development in BRICS countries and a compendium of AI products and applications.

The Brazilian side emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation in semiconductors, large language models, quantum technologies, and data management. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Media expert calls for collective action to ensure journalists’ safety
General News

Media expert calls for collective action to ensure journalists’ safety

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By Oluwatope Lawanson

A University Lecturer, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, has called for collective action to ensure the safety of journalists’ in the AI-driven media era.

Tijani-Adenle made the call at a media stakeholders roundtable on Artificial Intelligence, titled “The Media and Press Freedom: Issues and Perspectives.”

The event was held at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos, to mark World Press Freedom Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by IPC and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria with the support of IFEX.

According to her, journalists and media professionals must be able to perform their work without fear, threats and be protected from harm.

Tijani-Adenle from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, spoke on a paper titled, “Advancing Journalist Safety: Stakeholders’ Role in AI-Driven Media Era.”

The media expert urged media employers to invest in continuous media and information literacy training, provide protective technology, offer life insurance, ensure freedom of expression and address impunity.

She also called on journalism unions and associations, such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, to advocate for Rapid Response Units, awareness campaigns, and legal and policy advocacy.

Tijani-Adenle advised academic institutions to update their curricula, build tech literacy, and develop competent AI utilisation tools, recommending partnerships with technology and media companies.

On individual responsibility, Tijani-Adenle emphasised that journalists must take proactive steps to protect themselves from physical and digital harm and verify information to avoid publishing misinformation.

“Even though we expect media employers to protect us and put some things in place, the onus is still on every individual journalist to protect themselves,” she said.

She advised journalists to ensure their safety and the integrity of their work by getting adequate media and information literacy.

“The need for collective action to ensure journalist safety in the AI-driven media era cannot be overemphasised.

“We must work together to create a safe and secure environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear or intimidation,” she said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

 AI transforms various sectors, improve worlds economy- IMF director
Economy/Business

 AI transforms various sectors, improve worlds economy- IMF director

316 total views today

By Nana Musa

Ms Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), says that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors, as well as security markets.

Gopinath, however, cautioned against inherent risks.

She said this on Monday, during the second IMF-International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) conference discussions on key trends in AI and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

“Focusing on the implications for financial stability, recent generative AI and related breakthroughs have the potential to dramatically change capital markets.

“Functioning through AI–assisted process automation and analysis of complex unstructured data as well as through the greater and more powerful use of algorithmic trading, novel trading and investment strategies.

“In addition, on one hand, generative AI can enhance market analysis, risk assessment, and customer engagement through sophisticated simulations and data generation.”

According to her, generative AI also raises concerns about financial stability, data integrity, potential misuse for market manipulation, and the ethical implications of AI-generated content.

The Secretary-General of IOSCO, Mr Rodrigo Buenaventura, said that the use of AI was common in financial institutions.

“Let’s just separate between traditional AI and generative AI, the report that was published last month shows that there has been more use of AI and machine learning in financial institutions.

“More automation for detection of anti-money laundering issues, as well as for simple analysis. So, we see the use of AI a lot more. But what else has changed?

“So you can see that some of the AIs are also starting to use large language models in the area of customer-facing operations, in terms of chatbots, and also in risk management functions.

“So basically, ChatGPT or large language models have changed a lot of the way humans interact with AI. Its very easy to use.”

He said this was where some of the risks could occur, adding that it gives us a false sense of security because its so easy to use.

Buenaventura said at the same time, we forget that there’s a lot of complex modeling and data that goes behind it.

He said that with large language models, all of us would have heard that the hallucination risk was one key factor that was associated with AI or generative AI.

Buenaventura said that experts should ensure that AI was not used against the market or to the disadvantage of the main purpose.

The Assistant Managing Director of the Capital Markets Group, Mr Lim Lee, said that AI was very easy to use but also creates risks.

He said that the market manipulation could also become very common with AI in terms of resilience and concentration of risks.

“We see the use of modelling, specialised models to make it look more efficient and less costly.

“About 75 per cent of institutions use AI. However, there has been more consciousness in using AI directly because the people are now more careful,” Lee said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NOUN to introduce AI to enhance operations – VC
Education

NOUN to introduce AI to enhance operations – VC

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) says it will soon introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) for seamless operations and delivery of its activities.

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said this on at the pre-convocation news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Peters said most of the activities carried out in the institution were now be driven by technology.

“There is no university in sub-Saharan Africa, that deploys technology, the way we do it at NOUN,” he said.

According to Peters, the quest for technology has led the institution into establishing a Software Development Directorate, to push them deeper into technology.

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance our efficiency and boost support services.

“Perhaps, one of the greatest things we have done in the last one year is the establishment of a Directorate of Software Development.

“What this directorate has done is to assemble the IT staff that we have and challenge them with solutions to the administrative processes that will perform most of the task in the university.

“Very soon all what we will be looking out for, is to be using our smart phones to receive and listen to lectures, and even do examinations, if it is possible.

“What our university is doing now is to encourage personalised learning through the use of artificial intelligence.

“Our university is extremely strong in that line, and we hope to deploy artificial intelligence and the ethics of its usage to the fullest, to ensure that our students get the best of technology,” Peters said.

He noted that the software directorate with about 350 IT staff had rolled out a lot innovative mechanisms that enhanced operations in the university.

The VC added that NOUN success story had led to the licensing of four private open universities in the country.

“Even conventional universities are now using technology in the form of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to teach their students.

“I can tell you that about 29 universities are also doing ODL to increase the accessibility of our citizens to university education, no matter where they are.

“If NOUN is not doing well, the Federal Government will not have licensed four private open universities and put them under our guidance.

“It is a testament to how we have delivered our lectures, treated our students and met our mandates.

“These four private universities have been put under our initial mentorship after which they will get their so-called ‘freedom’ from NOUN,” Peters added.

On the university’s 14th convocation scheduled to hold on April 12, in Abuja, the vice-chancellor said that 17,420 graduands, comprising 51 inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, had completed their task of learning.

He said out of the total graduating students, 40 are PhD graduands, 4,310 Masters holders and 2,103 Postgraduate Diploma students.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the President, African Development Bank (AfDB) and Mr Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker, House of Representatives, will be conferred with an honorary doctorate degrees.

While Adesina is expected to receive honorary doctorate degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters, Tajudeen will be conferred with honorary doctorate degree of Business Administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

TETFund partners agencies to boost AI studies in higher institutions
Education

TETFund partners agencies to boost AI studies in higher institutions

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), says it will partner with relevant agencies to boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) studies in the Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

He said the Fund had drastically scaled up textbook production in addition to other initiatives such as ICT centres to position Nigeria as a leader in AI in Africa.

He said this was part of TETFund’s contribution to the nation’s quest to tap into the multi-trillion dollars global digital economy.

According to him, AI is one of the few subject areas where the Fund could send scholars abroad for further training because it had not fully developed in Nigeria.

“We don’t send anybody outside anymore. But AI is a new and expanding field. It is one of the few areas we are training people abroad because we want to lead in Africa,’’ he said.

He said the Fund had supported the development of AI textbooks, covering topics such as AI in teaching and learning, ethics, and curriculum development.

Echono said the aim was to boost the use of AI and to get the tertiary institutions to begin to exploit and use it in teaching and learning.

He said that in addition to book development, TETFund had trained over 3,000 scholars in AI and emerging ICT trends in the last two years in collaboration with leading institutions.

He explained that the initiative had resulted in the ICT training of over 17,000 educators through the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programme.

“We started with general ICT training because we’ve been doing a lot of ICT training. If the teacher is not ICT-savvy, even for him to put his lecture on the platform is a problem.

“For him to interact with the students on the platform or to send his mark, to do his marking scheme, to relate, to get presentations, even zoom meetings would be a problem he must be ICT literate.

“After that we started letting them understand how they can use ICT, how they can leverage on it to improve the quality of their delivery and the experiences of their students,” he said.

“We want to leapfrog others in ICT, robotics. We are coming very strong in robotics now, but we are late comers, some people are already doing it before us.

“But we don’t want anybody to be ahead of us on this continent. So we are pushing those frontiers,” he said.

Echono also said that the present TETFund management inherited a stagnated book development programme that published only 20 books in 13 years.

He said that upon assuming office in 2022, he challenged the book development committee to meet ambitious targets of producing more books.

“I said, in the first year, you must do 50, if not I’m going to disband it, we’re wasting money coming to do meetings, talking, and not seeing the books.

“Later, I said I want to see up to 100 books being published and they said it can be done. We’ll give you all the support, publicise and advertise to Nigerian authors.

“We identified the subjects where we do not have enough textbooks. We tasked the professors and all the experts in that field to put things in order,” he said.

Echono said that this challenge spurred the book development committee as TETFund published 50 books in 2023, another 60 shortly after with another tranche of 50 textbooks published recently.

He explained that another batch of 50 textbooks was currently in under production. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Why Google is training 6,000 Nigerian teachers
General News

Why Google is training 6,000 Nigerian teachers

398 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

An Educational Technologist, Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, said that the emerging influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational sector has raised the need to train 6,000 teachers across the country by Google.

 

Olurinola, who is from the Department of Science and Technology Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state, said this at the opening of the training on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

She explained that AI had the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, adding that teachers need to harness the power of AI to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students.

 

“We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a critical digital skill deficit among our educators.

 

“This challenge is compounded by the emerging influence of AI in the educational setting, introducing a new dimension of inequality that threatens to widen the existing skill gap.

 

“As we set on this journey, let’s consider that the educational landscape in Nigeria is at a very crucial turning point, where the old ways of teaching are being questioned by the swift progression of technology,” she said.

 

Speaking virtually, a Research Engineer at Google, Avishkar Bhoopchand, said the training would improve the experiences of teaching and learning.

 

“We recognise the vital role that teachers play in shaping the future. We strive to provide tools and resources that empower them to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

 

“In my work with Google Classroom and Workspace for Education, which offers an expanded access to digital literacy, our focus remains on fostering innovation and equity in education,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-weeks training is expected to equip teachers in the six-geopolitical zones with AI skills and competencies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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