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Tag: AI

  • Is AI coming for the journalist? – By Azu Ishiekwene

    Is AI coming for the journalist? – By Azu Ishiekwene

    One year ago, on November 15, 2023, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) invited me to speak on “Nigerian Media, Sustainability and Existential Threats by Big Tech.” Being asked again this year is a privilege, but I won’t be surprised if this is my last invitation. 

    Perhaps I won’t need to come as a presenter next time. A learning machine, Anaba possibly, might be here to do the job. This may sound incredible, but increasingly, with improvements in infotech and biotech, it seems that what AI cannot do does not exist. 

    In its most basic definition, generative artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that, historically, only humans could perform. Journalists, for example, used to think of themselves as the masters of storytelling in a hurry and God’s gift to the world as gatekeepers. We’re humbler now.

    Luddites’ nightmare

    The widespread use of AI is causing anxiety among journalists and other professionals, especially the Luddites. Recently, I wanted to redecorate my apartment. I asked a furniture company in Abuja to recommend an interior decorator. The two recommended insisted on a pre-inspection deposit of 100k, which I wasn’t prepared to pay. 

    I went to ChatGPT and imputed a description of my apartment with measurements, asking for a photo design. I got it in minutes, complete with a floor plan and car park design. ChatGPT even asked if I needed optional designs! Midjourney or AR would give far more incredibly splendid options! 

    According to Digital News Project 2024, “Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions 2024” by Nic Newman, apart from rising costs and declining revenues, 300 digital leaders from more than 50 countries/territories also expressed significant concerns about using AI for backend news automation and experimental internet interfaces, including AR and VR glasses, lapel pins, and other wearable devices.

    What’s AI up to?

    Let us look briefly at two recent examples of the use of AI in storytelling, one in North America and the other in Europe, that have resonated in many parts of the world. 

    In Mexico, Grupo Formula, the country’s leading broadcasting group with 2.3m YouTube subscribers, created three avatars—NAT, SOFI, and MAX—three robotic journalists who generate content in entertainment, sports, and politics for the company’s social media handles. 

    The group’s director of technology and AI infrastructure told the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, “The news stories that NAT, SOFI and others present are small stories and very focused towards young people who don’t connect well with the old-style newscast. We are looking to connect with these young people using technology.” Grupo Formula’s subsidiary, TV OAI, is the first news channel in Latin America powered 100 percent by AI.

    More recently, a Polish radio station, Radio Krakow, announced the relaunch of OFF Radio, the first experiment in Poland where AI-driven characters take on the role of traditional journalists. 

    In response to concerns about the increasing role of automation in the physical and cognitive spheres, Yuval Harari said in his book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, “It would be madness to block automation… to protect human jobs. After all, what we ultimately ought to protect is humans – not jobs.” I agree.

    What opportunities exist?

    What opportunities does AI present, and how might journalists use them for storytelling? a). Streamlined content production: AI tools can significantly streamline content production, allowing journalists to focus on the creative aspects rather than time-consuming tasks and drudgery. 

    For example, algorithms can assist in generating ideas or first drafts; b). Personalisation of content: Algorithms can analyse user preferences and behaviours to create bespoke narratives with individual audiences; c). Enhanced engagement: AI can create immersive and interactive storytelling experiences. 

    For example, games and multimedia stories that adapt based on user decisions can attract individuals who may not typically engage with traditional forms of storytelling; c). Creation of new opportunities: The fusion of AI and human effort can create new possibilities previously challenging to imagine. 

    One good example is the collaborative effort involving 400 journalists from 80 countries sifting through 11 million documents and 2.6 terabytes of data during the Panama Papers investigation; d). Generative AI can repurpose chaos: In an article entitled “AI news that’s fit to print,” Zach Seward wrote, “Faced with the chaotic, messy reality of everyday life, LLMs (Large Language Models), are useful tools for summarising text, fetching information, understanding data, and creating structure…but always with human oversight.” This article also shares some of AI’s best and worst use cases.

    Challenges of AI use

    Ethical concerns in AI storytelling include the potential for generative models to create misleading information, such as fake stories or images that blur the line between reality and fabrication. The Cambridge Analytica case and COVID-19 are good examples. Concerns about legal liability and privacy protection have also been expressed. 

    Other concerns include quality, coherence and creativity, originality, fairness and bias, and adaptability to genre and audience. 

    Limits and success stories:

    AI is a work in progress. Again, from Seward’s article, we could use lessons from some excellent and ugly examples of its application even in countries where automated storytelling appears to be well-established already. First, the nasty experiences:

    CNET and the tech error soup: Last January, CNET, a tech website, published financial advisory stories on short-term saving instruments, how to manage and close bank accounts, and other topics. Although the byline said the stories were written by the platform’s “Money Staff,” they were not. Language machines wrote them, but the massive errors (described as moments of hallucinations) exposed the site! Actual staff members saved the day by cleaning up the copies.

    Sports Illustrated’s Street Spin: The Street, a publication from the stable of Sports Illustrated, published a raft of bot-generated stories and made matters worse by curating and attaching fake author identities to the stories. The spin didn’t end well.

    Good news

    But there have been good experiences, as well:

    Modelling for pattern or image recognition machines has proved valuable when analysing large data caches. Media houses such as Buzzfeed News and The Wall Street Journal have used AI to establish significant trends in otherwise desperate and solitary occurrences or patterns. 

    Examples range from the Mauritius Leaks, which involved 200k highly technical documents, to the story on the miles of dangerous lead cables around New Jersey streets that posed severe public health risks to residents. Zach Seward also documents a few other examples in his piece entitled “AI news that’s fit to print.”

    Where is the Nigerian storyteller? 

    Professor Farooq Kperogi and I collaborated on an academic paper for the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies entitled “Light in a Digital Blackhole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria.” 

    The study found that social media and the rise of citizen journalists have changed the landscape and accelerated the mainstream adoption of automated journalism. 

    More media houses use tools, including social media integration software like Echobox, Hootsuite, Revive, and Dlvrit, to drive audience and revenue goals. The election watchdog Yiaga Africa collaborates with some TV stations to collate and analyse election results using AI tools. Automated fact-checking systems, drones, and language management tools are also being deployed.

    While costs and infrastructure remain significant barriers to adoption, attitudinal differences between younger journalists and the older, more established ones were also noticed, with newsrooms embracing more diversity in age cohorts and educational backgrounds. 

    Job losses? What jobs?

    Our study did not justify the fear of imminent job losses among Nigerian journalists. However, the impact of the disruption on readership/audiences and revenues due to economic reasons and changing demographics is undeniable. 

    It would be good if anxiety about job losses led to greater introspection, retooling, and adoption of technologies and practices that improve journalism, especially the core business of storytelling. 

    If the destination is uncertain, the least we can hope for is that we are in good company, human or otherwise. And it won’t matter if the chatbot delivers this lecture next year!

     

    Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and the author of Writing for Media and Monetising It. This modified version of AI-Generated Storytelling: Opportunities and Challenges was based on my presentation at the 20th Annual Conference of the NGE on November 8.

  • Media practitioners should leverage on AI to seek good governance, says Omo-Agege

    Media practitioners should leverage on AI to seek good governance, says Omo-Agege

    With the widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), media practitioners have been urged to leverage on its limitless versatility to seek good governance, social impact and positive change.

    Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, made the call on Thursday in Asaba in his remarks at the Distinguished Nigerian Awards, organised by Oasis Magazine.

    Speaking on “Artificial Intelligence and the Contemporary Media Space,” as distinguished guest of honour, Senator Omo-Agege said AI has had profound impact on virtually every area of business, governance and politics. He said it should be applied in holding accountable those holding public office.

    Listing the benefits of AI, the former Deputy Senate President noted that it enables social media monitoring and sentiment analysis as well as equip the people to track governance and its dynamics.

    Omo-Agege who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Delta State gubernatorial election and was represented by Mr. Chuks Erhire, noted that as AI is used regularly to verify content to prevent disinformation, it can be deployed to track the performance of government at all levels.
    “The integration of AI in the media space necessitates a thoughtful approach, balancing innovation with accountability and transparency to ensure a responsible and beneficial coexistence of humans,” he stated.
    He warned that AI-generated content can be misused to create convincing but false information, thereby threatening media credibility, adding that they blur the lines between human and artificial communication.
    But by adhering to ethics, training and enlightenment, AI can be used to evolve most practical and beneficial option for societal advancement.

  • How would Dokpesi have responded to AI? – By Okoh Aihe

    How would Dokpesi have responded to AI? – By Okoh Aihe

    On a day that Dr Raymond Dokpesi should have been 73 penultimate week, he wasn’t around because he has gone on a long trip. But his friends still came in his absence to speak some kind words as befitting reminiscences for the life of a good man whose memory should be kept alive in perpetuity.

    In a most ingenious coincidence, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in collaboration with Daar Communications Plc, inaugurated a lecture in honour of a man who was not only a Fellow but actually did enormous work and made generous provisions to promote the Public Relations profession. At a time, the profession needed channels of trade to ventilate their wares and help create a welcoming environment for trade and country. The coming of Raypower and AIT on the platform of Daar Communications was a veritable opportunity and it created a legacy that can hardly be diminished by time and season.

    Aptly titled the Annual Raymond Dokpesi Diamond Lecture,  the inaugural theme focused on Media in Stewardship of Democracy: Conversations on Communications and Development. Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times, enjoyed the privilege of speaking to a specially selected live studio audience at the company’s broadcast headquarters in Kpaduma Hills, Abuja, while thousands, if not millions, watched across the world. It was a first grade lecture and the content was caustic but healing if accepted in good faith.

    President Goodluck Jonathan narrated for the umpteenth time how only Dokpesi, amongst a few, opened his arms to receive him after he lost elections in 2015 and he felt lonely, orphaned and abandoned. He thought it was the end of the world because African leaders hardly lose elections as incumbents, and willingly relinquish power. Ever the show stopper, Dokpesi put together a big Reception to welcome him back home.

    President Jonathan wrote the Foreword, to Dokpesi’s authorised Biography, The Handkerchief, and therefore may be in a vantage position to know a few things about his friend. Dokpesi suffered bouts of loneliness all his life. When he had health challenges as a child, his father’s friend advised that he be allowed to die quietly since  nobody expected him to live anyway. He heard the man he sometimes called Daddy, and, early in his life, felt that the world wasn’t a good place but, nevertheless, vowed to live and become the handkerchief that would wipe his parents’ tears.

    When the banks fought a war against him in early 2000, to take over his broadcast organisation because of a default on loan repayment, Dokpesi knew the depth of loneliness as he felt betrayed and abandoned by close friends who wanted to see him go down with all his investments. He felt betrayed by friends who were in a position to do something but completely refused. He was always a Lagos boy but that depth of loneliness and trauma drove him to think more about his part of the country, and that marked the beginning of the South South Peoples Assembly (SSPA).

    When the Nigerian Government, in 2015,  moved against Dokpesi and Daar Communications, saying they profited from a business that was not properly procured and collected morning from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Dokpesi was again abandoned by his friends who didn’t want  the government to see them as enemies by association. It was a most trying time for him but he won that case, thankfully.

    Dokpesi knew the awful taste of loneliness and only offered President Jonathan a hand to redeem him from a world that is not the best place to be. Jonathan was surprised people ran away from him and simply shifted allegiance to the next man on the throne. Dokpesi was used to that type of treatment, yet never really carried any grievance against anybody. He forgave all.

    After the lecture, I got across to Dapo to thank him for his kind words for a man that will remain a friend and a brother. His response was stirring and I quote him here with apologies. “It was such an honour to reward a trail blazer and imaginative outlier. The High Chief was such an institutional builder and our prayers must remain that the soul of the departed continue to earn eternal glory,” he wrote.

    Dapo was not shy in his paper nor afraid to throw some little but friendly punches. What he said about the media in helping to promote democracy, good governance and its function in galvanising the people into holding leaders accountable and responsible in the democratic process, would have enjoyed immediate imprimatur from Dokpesi.  No matter how close he was to the leaders and was indeed close to so many of them, Dokpesi stood on the side of the ordinary people because he wanted a good life for them. Dokpesi fought from their corner.

    I particularly like Dapo’s cautionary position on Artificial Intelligence (AI). He raised questions on AI capacity to cause job displacement and influence key decisions, among others.

    Dokpesi was a tech geek and would long have declared his position on AI. In the era of Cyber Sets for studio presentations, he was one of the first media promoters to introduce Cyber Set to Nigeria at AIT studios. His efforts were hailed by former ITU Secretary General, Hamadoun Toure. Before his apotheosis, he had nearly completed a new studio that could as well be planted in any developed country of the world. The studio, which is now more of a parting gift, is simply breathtaking.

    “I am not one for conspiracy theories or alarmist predictions, but I ask: how many of us here today, in this age of Artificial Intelligence, truly believe that 2027 elections will be easy to manage, or even possible? With AI at its current level of development and deployment – where it can convincingly imitate voices and create deepfake videos – why should it be inconceivable that we might soon see fake electoral officials,falsified results, and rapid dissemination of these falsehoods across the country through powerful digital devices,” he asked.

    AI is the gilt-edge of technology at the moment, an apogee candidate of human invention that even creators are unable to manifestly explain AI capacity and safety beyond its relevance. Some countries are setting strict guidelines for the development and deployment of AI because they dread the rogue attributes.

    I can only hazard a guess that Dokpesi would have responded in a very pragmatic way that would be clear to all eyes, a response that would have laid so many myths to rest and challenge the younger generation to embrace AI challenges and opportunities.

    Dapo warns that “while we rightfully embrace the transformative potential of AI, we must also prepare ourselves for the reality that technological innovation often benefits elites, corporations, or those in power. The concentration of benefits can exacerbate inequality and limit the broader gains to society unless deliberate efforts are made to align technological change with inclusive growth.”

    He delivers a clincher to the effect that “t is imperative that we approach AI’s advancement with commitment to ensuring that its benefits are shared equally”

    I totally agree with Dapo. Whether in government or in whatever profession, there is the need to admit that AI is making a most stubborn intrusion into our lives, all we need do is to act speedingly and responsibly to manage and mitigate the harsh consequences of AI while harvesting the opportunities to benefit the society at large. Let the nation leave nobody behind in the age of AI.

  • HP global study shows Al adoption linked to higher job satisfaction

    HP global study shows Al adoption linked to higher job satisfaction

    The 2024 findings, based on surveys of 15,600 knowledge workers across 12 countries, reveal that only 28% of workers have a healthy relationship with work, a slight one-point improvement from 2023.

    However, two key factors—AI and personalized work experiences—are emerging as potential solutions for enhancing work relationships.

    AI Usage Surges, Improving Work Satisfaction In 2024, AI usage among knowledge workers jumped to 66%, up from 38% last year.

    Workers using AI report better relationships with work, with AI users being 11 points happier compared to their non-AI-using counterparts. Key benefits for AI users include:

    73% find that AI makes their jobs easier.

    69% customize AI tools to improve productivity.

    60% say AI helps improve work-life balance.

    68% believe AI opens new opportunities for enjoying work.

    73% feel a better understanding of AI will aid career advancement.

    With 37% of non-AI users concerned about job displacement by AI—a 5-point increase from 2023—the report suggests there is urgency to expand AI access in the workplace.

    Personalized Work Experiences: A Key to Employee Satisfaction The desire for personalized work experiences is strong, with at least two-thirds of knowledge workers wanting tailored workspaces, technologies, and flexible environments. These experiences are linked to improved job satisfaction, with 64% of workers saying personalization would make them more invested in their company’s growth, and 69% believing it would enhance their well-being. Remarkably, 87% of workers would be willing to forgo up to 14% of their salary for more personalized work conditions, with Gen Z workers willing to give up as much as 19%.

    Leadership Confidence and Gender Disparities Confidence in leadership remains a crucial factor in fostering healthy work relationships. While 90% of leaders recognize the importance of human skills—such as empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence—only 44% feel confident in their abilities to deliver these qualities.

    A notable finding is that female leaders stand out, with female business leaders exhibiting 10 points more confidence in hard skills and 13 points more confidence in human skills compared to their male counterparts. Female leaders have also seen significant confidence growth in both areas over the past year, while male leaders showed stagnation or decline.

     

  • Google’s products, services contribute $1.8bn to Nigeria’s economy

    Google’s products, services contribute $1.8bn to Nigeria’s economy

    Google on Thursday said that a recent study, conducted by Public First, showed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) had the potential of contributing $15 billion to the Nigerian economy by 2030.

    Director, West Africa, Google, Mr Olumide Balogun, said this at its Economic Impact Report Press Roundtable in Lagos.

    Balogun said that the Public First’s Digital Opportunity of Nigeria Report’s projection would be achieved with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development playing a pivotal role.

    He said that the report revealed that in 2023, Google’s products and services which included Search, Ads, YouTube, and Cloud contributed an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity across Nigeria.

    He said that, according to the report, this estimated $1.8 billion had significantly boosted the productivity of Nigerian businesses, creators, and workers.

    Balogun noted that the study highlighted Google’s digital skills programmes, including Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Programme, as having helped millions of Nigerians.

    “Over 1.5 million young adults learnt new digital skills in 2023 alone. With Nigeria experiencing rapid digital development, the report highlights the potential for further growth.

    “According to the study, every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates over $8 in economic value. This emphasises the critical role of digital technology, including connectivity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping Nigeria’s economic future,’’ he said.

    Balogun said that Google was thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology was having on Nigeria’s economy.

    According to the Google director, this report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy.

    The director said that in 2021, Google committed $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, focusing on improving internet access, supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.

    He said that the Digital Opportunity of Nigeria report illustrated how the Google investments are already creating lasting impacts in the country.

    Balogun said that the report also provided strategic recommendations for policymakers, advocating for increased cloud first policies and enhanced digital infrastructure to maximise AI’s potential in Nigeria.

    According to Balogun, it highlights the need for stronger Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and AI fluency to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the future.

    The Director and Head of Technology Policy at Public First, Amy Price, said that
    Nigeria was a digital front-runner in Africa.

    Price said that Nigeria’s tech investment would be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country.

    The Public First director said that this was particularly true when it came to connectivity, cloud computing and AI.

    Public First is a public policy research agency with specialisation in economic, social and opinion research.

  • Google introduces AI-generated answers in search results

    Google introduces AI-generated answers in search results

    In its bid to improve on its services, Google has said that it would introduce AI -generated answers to online queries, in one of the biggest changes to its world-leading search engine in 25 years.

    This innovation was made known by Google chief executive Sundar Pichai  at an event in California.

    “I’m excited to announce that we will begin launching this fully revamped experience, ‘AI overviews,’ to everyone in the US this week,”

    According to him, the innovation will spread to other countries, he added, making it accessible to more than a billion people.

    Google’s search results will feature an AI summary at the top of the page before the more typical unfurling of links.

    The AI blurbs generated by Google’s Gemini technology will offer succinct summaries of what it found on the internet with links to the online sources that supplied the information.

    “You can ask whatever’s on your mind or whatever you need to get done – from researching to planning to brainstorming – and Google will take care of the legwork,” said Google Search team boss Liz Reid.

    The change comes as Google feels growing pressure from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity, and from the repeated rumors that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is building its own AI search tool.

    Searches through AI chats have also appeared on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, with users able to get information from the web without Google.

    These alternatives are praised by some for their cleaner experience than the often cluttered results of a classic query.

    Creators and small publishers are nervous about the change, fearing users will no longer click through to websites to find information.

    Research firm Gartner predicts traffic to the web from search engines will fall 25 percent by 2026 because of AI bot use.

    Google pushed back at the suggestion that ChatGPT-style AI interactions could impact its business, which depends almost exclusively on advertising sales from its search engine.

    “We’ve found that with AI Overviews, people use Search more, and are more satisfied with their results,” Reid said.

    “You can ask your most complex questions, with all the nuances and caveats you have in mind, all in one go.”

    The company said such generative AI tools are making life easier for users, whether they’re looking for a yoga studio open on Sundays, planning a trip or preparing a meal with special dietary requirements.

    The company will also soon start testing applying AI to searches based on video content as the query source, according to Reid.

    As an example, this would allow users to ask Google to diagnose a broken appliance by filming it with a smartphone and get tips for getting it fixed.

  • Unlocking the potential of AI can leapfrog education development in Nigeria – Emmanuel Asika, Country Head of HP in Nigeria

    Unlocking the potential of AI can leapfrog education development in Nigeria – Emmanuel Asika, Country Head of HP in Nigeria

    In Nigeria, where a vast number of children are excluded from education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a transformative opportunity. Despite the evident potential of AI in Nigerian education, its actual integration into educational institutions remains sparse. The pressing need to leverage AI to foster innovation and enhance digital skills development among students is widely recognized by stakeholders across the technology sector.

     

    While some Nigerian educational institutions have begun to use AI in areas such as evolutionary software modeling, student performance prediction, and multimedia e-learning platforms, the adoption of sophisticated AI technologies remains limited. This highlights a significant gap between the potential and actual use of AI in education in Nigeria compared to more advanced nations.

     

    In Africa, and specifically Nigeria, innovative educational technology (EdTech) startups are key in transforming the education landscape through the introduction of new learning models and technologies. Leaders in this field, driven by a belief in the universal right to quality education, are spearheading changes that enhance educational content and delivery, transforming learning one classroom at a time. This is evidenced through HP’s partnership with Cambridge University, where 25 policymakers and organisation leaders from the sub-Saharan region, participate in a blended remote and in-person programme aimed at accelerating effective digital transformation in the education system.

     

    The importance of AI policy in education

     

    Stakeholders across the technology sector are emphasizing the role of AI in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. AI simplifies information processing, allowing more time for skills development. Recognizing this, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, introduced the “Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme.” This initiative aims to provide financial support to startups and researchers, fostering a robust and sustainable AI ecosystem within the country.[1]

     

    In discussions at a recent Technology Enhanced Learning/Computing Education Forum organized by the Nigeria Computer Society in Lagos, it was stressed that there is a dire need for the government at all levels to establish a dedicated AI policy in education. Such a policy will promote innovation and support the establishment of AI infrastructure across tertiary institutions, thus facilitating broader AI development in Nigeria.

     

    Such a policy should support the establishment of the necessary AI infrastructure and promote AI literacy among educators and students. It should also address potential challenges such as data security, privacy concerns, and the ethical use of AI technologies in education[2].

     

    Bridging the technology gap

     

    Offering a pathway to enhanced educational access, quality, and relevance requires strategic planning, investment, and cooperation among all educational stakeholders in order to unlock the full potential of the technology. By embracing AI, Nigeria can not only improve its educational outcomes but also prepare its youth for a future where digital literacy and AI skills will be paramount for success. The time to act is now, to invest in, and shape the future of education in Nigeria through Artificial Intelligence.[i]

     

    In the short-term, to narrow the current technological gap in education, Nigeria can benefit significantly from adopting AI practices from more advanced nations. This would include the integration of intelligent tutoring systems, learnable robots, web-based educational systems, and sophisticated learning management systems. Such advancements could revolutionize the Nigerian educational landscape, aligning it more closely with global trends and markedly improving the quality and accessibility of education.

     

    Collaborative efforts for AI integration

     

    The successful integration of AI in Nigerian education requires a collaborative approach involving government, academia, and the private sector. These collaborations can drive innovation and ensure that AI tools are effectively tailored to meet the diverse needs of Nigerian students.

     

    Dr. Salisu Abdulrahman, an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Kano State University of Science and Technology, highlights the need for robust collaboration between AI stakeholders and academia to drive national growth and innovation. These partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, as well as foster the development of tailored educational solutions that leverage AI to address specific educational challenges.

     

    The economic impact of AI

     

    With the advent of AI education, comes an opportunity for a more skilled workforce that can transform and elevate major sectors in the Nigerian economy, which still fall behind the technology adoption curve. For example, agriculture, despite being the main employer and economic driver – remains predominantly small holder and subsistence. The adoption of AI technology can potentially have a significant benefit to the agricultural economy, and national economy, by increasing labor productivity, capital efficiency, and driving growth. Alongside agriculture and education, the healthcare, and infrastructure and energy sector are major benefactors of AI adoption, setting Nigeria on its path to becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2026, and $3 trillion in 10 years, as per President Bola Tinubu’s vision.[3]

     

    AI presents a significant opportunity to leapfrog traditional educational and broader economic challenges. The integration of AI in Nigerian education holds promising prospects for enhancing educational outcomes by providing personalized learning experiences, supporting data-driven decision-making, and offer new modes of interactive and adaptive learning. As AI technologies evolve, they are likely to become increasingly integral to educational systems worldwide, and Nigeria could be at the forefront of this transformation.

     

  • 2pac’s estate to sue American artiste Drake over diss song against Kendrick Lamar

    2pac’s estate to sue American artiste Drake over diss song against Kendrick Lamar

    Canadian rapper, Drake will be dragged to court by the estate of American hip-hop legend 2Pac for his involvement in  a recent diss track against Kendrick Lamar that featured an AI-generated version of the late rapper’s voice.

    Recall that on Wednesday, Drake was served a cease-and-desist letter by the litigator asking him to pull down the diss track in less than 24 hours or the estate would “pursue all of its legal remedies” against him.

    “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of 2Pac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time,” the letter partly reads.

    “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of 2Pac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to 2Pac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”

    Drake released ‘Taylor Made Freestyle’ on Friday, and featured AI-generated versions of the late 2Pac, and Snoop Dogg’ voices.

    2Pac’s estate has now made it clear that it “would never have given its approval for this use” if Drake had asked for permission.

  • UN General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on AI

    UN General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on AI

    The UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution on Thursday on the promotion of “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable development for all.

    Adopting a United States-led draft resolution without a vote, the Assembly also highlighted the respect, protection, and promotion of human rights in the design, development, deployment, and use of AI.

    The text was “co-sponsored” or backed by more than 120 other Member States.

    The General Assembly also recognised AI systems’ potential to accelerate and enable progress towards reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    It represents the first time the assembly has adopted a resolution on regulating the emerging field. The US National Security Advisor reportedly said earlier this month that the adoption would represent an “historic step forward” for the safe use of AI.

    The assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders “to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.”

    “The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems,” it affirmed.

    The assembly also urged all States, the private sector, civil society, research organisations and the media, to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks related to safe, secure and trustworthy use of AI.

    The assembly further recognised the “varying levels” of technological development between and within countries, and that developing nations face unique challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation.

    It urged Member States and stakeholders to cooperate with and support developing countries so they can benefit from inclusive and equitable access, close the digital divide, and increase digital literacy.

    Speaking before the adoption, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, introduced the draft resolution.

    She expressed hope that the “inclusive and constructive dialogue that led to this resolution would serve as a model for future conversations on AI challenges in other arenas, for example, with respect to peace and security and responsible military use of AI autonomy.”

    Thomas-Greenfield noted that the resolution was designed to amplify the work already being done by the UN, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Human Rights Council.

    “We intend for it to complement future UN initiatives, including negotiations toward a global digital compact and the work of the Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence,” she said.

    Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted the opportunity and the responsibility of the international community “to govern this technology rather than let it govern us”.

    “So let us reaffirm that AI will be created and deployed through the lens of humanity and dignity, safety and security, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    “Let us commit to closing the digital gap within and between nations and using this technology to advance shared priorities around sustainable development,” she said.

  • 6 ways AI can boost music creativity – Google

    6 ways AI can boost music creativity – Google

    Google on Wednesday highlighted six ways Gemini could boost Africa music creativity, leveraging  Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, Gemini.

    Gemini,  formerly Bard is one of Google’s best artificial intelligence tool.

    The Communications  and Public Affairs manager, Google  West Africa, Taiwo Kola- Ogunlade  said in a statement  that becoming a global music star demanded talent, grit, and willingness to learn along the way.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that Gemini would not guarantee fame but could provide knowledge to  fuel creativity, and help one tap into the resources needed to propel  career forward.

    He said that in vibrant music communities like the ones in Lagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi, it was not just about who you know but how you connect, Gemini helped one go beyond networking.

    According  to him, it is also about  igniting  creative spark, Gemini can reignite inspiration, suggest lyrical rhymes for a song with an empowering theme.

    ‘’Gemini is your brainstorming partner, ready to push your artistic boundaries.

    ‘’Gemini can help you find your voice,  help to craft an artist’s biography that captures one’s  passion for social change through music.

    ‘’The music industry can feel like a maze – contracts, copyright laws, and navigating key players often requires insider knowledge, instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask Gemini to break it down,’’ he said.

    According  to him, Gemini  explains  answers to straight  questions in a very simple way.

    Kola-Ogunlade  said that  in the world of music, one’s style spoke volumes, Gemini helped one to  explore,  like Burna boy and Sho Majodzi,  were famed for their unique fashion sense, and helped find bold, colourful outfits inspired by their style.

    He said that beyond the music videos, in the digital age, visuals amplified one’s message, as  Gemini could spark one’s video concepts.

    According to him, the next time you are researching artist contracts, building your fan base  or brainstorming on your next music video, open your browser and type gemini.google.com, and Gemini will be your guide and partner in the thrilling musical adventure.