NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Why Google is training 6,000 Nigerian teachers

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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

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

General News , Science & Tech

Expert seeks Africa’s participation in AI innovations

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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)
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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
Economy/Business

AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute

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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

General News

Media experts to harness AI for broadcasting transformation

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By Taiye Agbaje

Media experts have converged as part of efforts to revolutionalise the broadcasting industry by harnessing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women Radio 91.7FM, Toun Sonaiya, made this known at an AI Radio Summit organised in Lagos and monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) virtually in Abuja.

The summit, titled: “Smart Radio: Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Broadcasting,” also had a sub-theme: “An intersection of AI and Future of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria.”

The event, which was organised by Women Radio in partnership with Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), was also to unveil an AI generated radio host called, “NIMI.”

Sonaiya, while speaking, said the programme was aimed at unlocking the future of radio broadcasting as the experts explore how AI could enhance audience engagement, streamline audio content production and boost operational efficiency through smart editing and data analysis.

“For me, as I reflect on the remarkable progress of Women Radio 91.7FM, I am reminded of my own journey growing up without mobile phones and the internet.

“And I am trilled by the possibilities AI brings. At Women Radio 91.7FM, we have intentionally embraced this new era with our team, not only welcoming new innovation but leading it.

“We are leveraging AI in presentation, voice overs, news editing, content creation and automation.

“We are re-emerging radio to connect with our audience.

“As a pioneer in AI Radio broadcast, our mission is to inspire others into AI skills.

“AI Radio is the future and the future today is now,” she said.

Sonaiya urged media practitioners to embrace AI for sustainable innovation and growth, and to unlock the future of radio broadcasting.

Adedeji Adekunle, the Programmes Director, Nigeria Media Innovation Programme, who spoke virtually, said AI affects the experience of the staff in an organisation and also provides opportunity for business as media entrepreneurs to be enriched.

“If you are a radio or broadcast professionals here or a business owner, you have to consider what AI can do for you,” he said.

Adekunle urged media practitioners to explore various uses of AI and how they affect the experience of their audience.

He, however, called for an internal, organisational AI policy to guide how the practitioners work due to privacy concerns.

“Let’s put together policy that enhances our work and protects the integrity of what we do,” he added.

Stellamaris Okebu, the Business Programme Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, enumerated the benefits of AI.

She said AI would help to analyse one’s data and to know who the listeners are, their age group and how to serve them best.

“It can also help you to analyse trending topics on radio

“Generally from a technology perspective, AI basically helps us to enhance our jobs.

“It will help us significantly for the next generation to get job done quickly, easier and to be more efficient,” she said.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, said AI radio summit represented a significant milestone in the industry.

“It brings together passionate individuals and organisations dedicated to pioneering advancements in the world of broadcasting

“Women Radio 91.7FM has demonstrated remarkable commitment to harnessing the power of the artificial intelligence for social impact .

“The introduction of ‘NIMI’ AI, Nigeria’s first AI radio host and interactive virtual assistant, is a clear testament to the limitless potential of AI in enhancing how we engage with our audiences and deliver compelling content.

“‘NIMI’ AI not only represents technological innovation but also serves as role model for what can be achieved when creativity meets technology,” he said.

Akosile said he believed that the summit would delve into important discussion surrounding AI ethics and the opportunities that it presents toward ensuring a more inclusive and more innovative radio industry that prioritises the needs and voices of all community members.

He said Lagos State had invested heavily in a smart city project which is aimed at transforming the entire technology ecosystem from what it is today to what everyone desires.

The governor’s side, who commended Women Radio, said the state was ready to partner with the radio station for a better future and development of the ecosystem.

“Therefore, let us leverage AI boundless potential to  transform  the landscape of Nigeria radio broadcasting for the better,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by many media professionals, including the CEO of CJID, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Why media must harness AI’s opportunities- NAN MD

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By Mufutau Ojo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, says the media must harness the opportunities provided by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

 

Ali said this on Monday in Urumqi, China, in his address at the ongoing World Media Summit.

 

He also said that the media must put in place safeguards to check the negative effects of the use of AI.

 

This sixth edition of the World Media Summit has as theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation.”

 

Ali observed that AI had become a matter of absorbing interest across the globe.

 

” Just like the social media insidiously ate into our operations decades ago, the global media family is once again faced with the behemoth of Artificial Intelligence that is gradually defining our very existence.

 

” Across the globe, Artificial Intelligence has today permeated our everyday life.

 

” The spectre of what Artificial Intelligence can do in the light of current developments is better imagined,” Ali said.

 

According to the NAN MD, AI is already revolutionising the way the media conducts its business.

 

He cited the gains of AI in media operations to include automated journalism in which AI-powered tools generate news articles, sports reports and financial updates.

 

Ali also said AI could be used in analysing audience engagement as well as suggesting improvements to headline images and article structure.

 

He added that AI could be used to streamline video editing and colour correction and sound design.

 

Warning, however, on the downsides of AI, the NAN chief said putting in place adequate safeguards had become imperative.

 

” Only some months ago, I was in Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the World Media Congress, and I was drawn to a particular session on Artificial Intelligence.

 

” We were exposed to two video clips of former President Donald Trump of the United States speaking at a forum—-one original and the other deep fake.

 

” Virtually all of us gathered there could not distinguish the original from the fake.

 

” For me and my colleagues gathered in that room, it was a learning curve as we were taken through the nuances of detecting what was real and what was fake, ” Ali said.

 

He also drew attention to job losses due to automation and the danger of fake news and disinformation which AI-generated content could help spread.

 

To tackle this, he said NAN was working with sister global agencies on policies, processes and programmes to distill contents.

 

This, he said, was with a view to identifying toxic materials unsuitable for publication.

 

” The outcomes of such gatekeeping initiatives have had far reaching and profound impact on the credibility of our copies and the sustainability of our editorial operations,” Ali said.

 

He commended the organisers of the summit for choosing the theme, saying the outcome would define the operations of the global media in the years to come.

 

NAN reports that at the fifth edition of the World Media Summit in Guangzhou, China, in December 2023, Ali had spoken on “Bolstering Confidence: Media’s Role in Promoting Human Development and Security. ”

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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