NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
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

154 total views today

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

243 total views today

 

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

191 total views today

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

237 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

328 total views today

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

347 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

FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy
Education

FG trains 6,000 teachers in AI pedagogy

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled a five-week training for 6,000 senior secondary school teachers in Artificial Intelligence Pedagogy across the country.

 

At the official kick-off of the training in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, called on the participants to take advantage of the training in order to contribute to national development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the unveiling of the Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education.

 

Represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department NSSEC) in the ministry, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the minister described education as the cornerstone for any meaningful development.

 

He stressed the need for beneficiaries to equip themselves with modern technology for teaching and learning.

 

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution and artificial intelligence (Al) is at its core.

 

“Al is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies and societies.

 

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind.

 

“The integration of Al into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education and develop critical thinking skills among our students,” he said.

 

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, called on state governments, school administrators and private sector partners to support the initiative.

 

Ajayi appealed for investment in infrastructure, teacher training and learners’ welfare to ensure that no school, teacher or learner was left behind in the journey towards educational excellence.

 

On the implementation of the minimum standards, he assured of immediate and full implementation, while giving nine-month widow for school sanctions.

 

Ajayi said that the commission, through its intervention programmes, would develop the minimum standards to build capacities and provide instructional resources, among others, for schools.

 

“The minimum standards is a strategic response to the challenges and gaps identified in the senior secondary education sub-sector.

 

“Over the years, we have observed disparities in curriculum implementation, teaching quality, school infrastructure and learners’ outcomes across different states and schools.

 

“These inconsistencies have contributed to uneven access to quality education, limiting the potential of many learners.

 

“With these newly-developed standards, we now have a comprehensive framework that sets clear benchmarks for learning content, teacher qualification, school facilities, learners assessment and governance in all senior secondary schools,” he said.

 

The Lead Facilitator, Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, said that the training would bridge the digital gap in teaching and learning.

 

Olurinola, of Department of Science and Technology Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, called on teachers to utilise every opportunity gained to be self-productive.

 

“We’re at a crucial turning point where the age-old ways of teaching are being questioned by the swift progression of technology.

 

“As we stand at the intersection of technology and education, it is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionise how we teach and learn.

 

“This training programme is not just about introducing teachers to new tools; it is about empowering them to harness the power of AI to create more engaging, personalised and effective learning experiences for their students,” she said.

 

Giving an overview of the programme, the Head of Teacher Training and International Partnership, NSSEC, Mr Mohammed Salihu, said it was grouped into cohorts to accommodate teachers for five weeks.

 

NAN reports that the programme was attended by commissioners of education or their representatives in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

 

NAN also reports that the virtual training was sponsored by Google Research, supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Expert seeks Africa’s participation in AI innovations
General News , Science & Tech

Expert seeks Africa’s participation in AI innovations

654 total views today
AI
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Mr Omoikhefe Aienloshan, has called on African governments to be part of the innovations around the AI technologies
Aienloshan made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, following the AI innovation tussle between the U.S. and China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. and China have been in a tech war following new innovations by the Chinese targeted at upsetting the dominance of the America on AI.
According to the expert, there must be strategic investments in AI education, robust data policies and collaborations with both Eastern and Western tech powers.
He also underscored the need for African governments, innovators, and tech entrepreneurs to recognise the urgency of the moment.
“This AI competition is no longer just about who can create better technologies. it is about who can shape the future of global economies, industries, and even political landscapes.
“Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while global superpowers determine the rules of the game.
“We have the talent, we have the innovation, but without the right infrastructure and forward-thinking policies, we will miss this crucial window of opportunity,” the founder if ZeroEdge and  Gasnownow said.
According to him,  Africa can engage as a key player in the AI space by investing in homegrown talent, fostering AI start-ups, and creating platforms that allowed African tech companies to collaborate with international partners
Aienloshan noted that with right investments in AI, service delivery could be boosted in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, real estate, energy and  potentially creating millions of new jobs.
“We must create an environment where AI innovation thrives across sectors. AI is not just for the elite, it is a tool that can drive inclusive economic growth if we harness its potential correctly,” he said.
Aienloshan stressed that the AI cold war revealed that the world was on the brink of a technological race with far-reaching political and economic implications.
NAN reports that the USA and China have been in a tech war because U.S. which had AI powerhouses like Open AI, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, among others, banned the sales of semi conductor chips to China for years, in a bid to limit China’s AI capacity.
China, however, released an AI model, which according to users, is more powerful and up to date than anything the Americans have, that is, the DeepSeek-R1.
The Chinese additionally made the AI model open source, thereby making it available for download, fine tuning, altering to suit demands of the user.
The move by the Chinese over the week had made tech billionaires lose a combined amount of over 100 billion dollars in the value of AI companies on the American stock exchange market.
DeepSeek-R1, hailed as China’s most advanced AI system to date, has stunned experts worldwide with its capacity to process massive datasets at unprecedented speeds and solve complex problems across industries.
Many see it as a direct challenge to U.S. dominance in AI research, sparking concerns that the two superpowers could lock the rest of the world out of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NIU/ADA
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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute
Economy/Business

AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute

400 total views today

By Nana Musa

Dr Harriet Akubuiro, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (CILRMN), has stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming risk management practices.

Speaking at the 14th Annual Risk Professionals International Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, Akubuiro noted the increasing influence of AI in modern risk management strategies.

The theme of the conference was “AI: An Essential Factor in Risk Management Practice”.

“AI is quietly shaping the future of risk management, a summary of what we are looking at through this theme is how to optimise risk management using AI.

“AI is revolutionising risk management; it is very useful in fraud detection, improves accuracy and efficiency, enhances risk management practices, and provides simulation capabilities.

“It also reduces risks in credit decisions and modelling, assists in analysing big data, and enables financial disclosure and consequent risk quantum,” she added.

Akubuiro noted that the future of risk management extends beyond mitigating threats to leveraging AI for opportunities.

Prof Linus Osuagwu, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at Veritas University, Abuja, underscored the importance of AI in risk management.

He described it as a systematic process involving the identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and control of potential risks.

“AI encompasses a portfolio of technologies, including machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics.

“In risk management, AI facilitates the analysis of large datasets, identification of complex patterns, and generation of predictive insights that enhance organisational decision-making processes.

“Some of the applications of AI in risk management include credit risk assessment, fraud detection and prevention, marketing risk analysis, operational risk management, cybersecurity threat detection, supply chain risk management, and environmental risk assessment”.

According to Osuagwu, the integration of AI into risk management provides several benefits, including enhanced accuracy, real-time monitoring, scalability, and cost efficiency.

However, he acknowledged that the adoption of AI also presents challenges.

“Some of these challenges include data quality and availability, model interpretability, regulatory compliance, ethical implications, integration with existing systems, dependence on technological infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, as well as cost and resource requirements,” he said.

Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government of Nigeria Housing Loan Board, emphasised the role of the institute in promoting professionalism in risk management.

Represented by the Director of Administration, Mrs Monica Igwe, Ahmed described the institute as a non-profit and non-political independent body committed to advancing best practices in risk management.

She also highlighted the mandate of the Housing Loan Board to manage a revolving fund for granting soft loans to federal public servants to own homes, thereby addressing the nation’s housing deficit.

“The institute is always ready to partner with dynamic risk management institutions to advance itself with best practices.

“The board will continue to partner with the institute in capacity building for its personnel to ensure effective and efficient management of the housing loan scheme for the benefit of all federal public servants,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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