The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, has said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses no threat to journalists who continuously update their digital skills.
Abas made the remark on Wednesday in Ibadan during a two-day AI training programme organised by the Oyo NUJ in partnership with the American Open University, Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, themed “Empowering Journalists with Artificial Intelligence for Ethical, Innovative and Future-Ready Journalism,” Abas stressed that journalists equipped with digital and AI competencies are strategic partners in national development rather than victims of technological disruption.
According to him, AI-literate journalists can expand their professional relevance by operating as media consultants, data analysts and communication advisers to governments, institutions and private organisations.
He noted that journalists could also establish media and technology startups, including fact-checking platforms, investigative journalism hubs, digital storytelling studios, local data centres and AI-assisted news platforms serving specialised audiences.
Abas added that journalists could further contribute as policy and public communication advisers, supporting governance through research-based insights, citizen engagement strategies and evidence-driven storytelling.
“This training is not charity; it is capacity building. It aligns with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda, which prioritises innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
“As Nigeria moves towards a knowledge-driven economy, journalists must not be left behind.
“We promised policy-driven leadership that equips members with skills for relevance, sustainability and dignity. Training 120 journalists on AI is a fulfilment of that promise.
“Artificial Intelligence will not replace journalists; it will only replace journalists who refuse to learn,” he said.
Abas urged participants to transition from routine reporting to analytical, solutions-focused journalism that interrogates data, explains policies and strengthens democratic accountability.
He also called on policymakers and stakeholders to recognise that investing in journalists was essential to transparency, stability and informed governance.
“Journalism has survived every technological disruption because it adapts without losing its soul. AI must enhance human judgment, not replace it. It must strengthen democracy, not weaken it,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the rise of AI as a positive development, while cautioning that it could be misused if not properly regulated.
He noted that research had shown AI to be an integral part of modern journalism and future media practice.
Oyelade cited the Seyi Makinde administration’s data-driven governance model as a key factor in its success, highlighting the digitisation of land transactions which, according to him, drastically reduced fraud and increased the state’s Internally Generated Revenue to ₦103 billion in 2025.
He encouraged journalists to maximise the knowledge gained from the training for both personal growth and professional advancement, while commending the NUJ leadership for organising the programme shortly after assuming office.
Also speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the American Open University, Nigeria, Dr Seyi Akanbi, described AI as a powerful tool that must be placed in responsible hands.
He identified misinformation, disinformation and propaganda as major threats to journalism, urging media professionals to deploy AI ethically for accuracy, integrity and innovation.
Akanbi further advised journalists to collaborate with global organisations, including Google, to develop fact-checking platforms that promote credibility and trust in the media.