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Campus News
By Bashirat Omotosho
The Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Prof. Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, has called for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism.
Prof. Aliagan made this call last Tuesday (June 17, 2025) while presenting a paper at the 2025 edition of the Annual Doyin Mahmud Memorial Lecture held at the CIS Lecture Theatre. The event was organised by the Association of Mass Communication Students of Nigeria (AMSCON), University of Ilorin Chapter.
Delivering the lecture titled “Journalism in the Era of AI-Generated Contents and Deep Fakes,” Prof. Aliagan emphasised the pressing need for journalists and media scholars to critically evaluate the ethical implications of AI tools in news production.
Prof. Aliagan, who is a former Deputy Director of Information, University of Ilorin, warned that while AI can enhance efficiency in journalism, it also carries the risk of eroding public trust through the proliferation of misleading contents such as deep fakes and machine-generated disinformation.
He further urged communication students and professionals to adopt a balanced approach by combining AI innovation with journalistic integrity. According to him, the future of journalism lies not only in embracing technological advancements but also in safeguarding the core values of truth, responsibility, and accountability that define the profession.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, who was represented by Dr Fatimah Amuda, emphasised the role of AI in modern journalism.
She explained that AI has the potential to revolutionise newsrooms by improving productivity and data analysis, but maintained that the credibility of journalism must be rooted in transparency and public trust.
Hon. Olukoju commended the organisers of the lecture for initiating such an intellectually enriching programme. She noted that engaging young communicators on contemporary issues such as AI would better prepare them for ethical challenges and professional demands in the evolving media landscape.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Kwara State, Dr Muhammad Lawal Olohungbebe, appreciated the Department of Mass Communication for its continued excellence in academic mentorship and research. He praised the efforts of the Department in raising a generation of responsible communicators who are prepared to navigate the digital age.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Ag. Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Patrick Udende, described the lecture series as a significant tribute to the legacy of the late Mr Nureni Adedoyin Mahmud, the pioneer Coordinator of the Department.
Dr Udende also emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue on emerging trends shaping the media landscape, particularly the rise of AI in journalism.
He urged students to see the lecture not just as an academic event, but as a call to action to uphold ethical standards and professional excellence in their future careers.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Lukman Azeez, appreciated all participants for honouring the memory of the late Mr Mahmud and acknowledged the consistent support of Late Mahmud’s family, who have sponsored an annual award for the best graduating student in the Department for over a decade.
Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the latest edition of The Lens Magazine, which was anchored by a former Head of the Department, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaki. The magazine was officially unveiled by Dr Mahmud Abdulraheem, the Chief Promoter, Geri FM, Ilorin, who was represented by Prof. Abdulquadri AbdulRasaq Owolabi of the Faculty of Law.
Present at the event were the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Communication, Hon. Abdullateef Ibrahim; and a Member of the Editorial Board of UNILORIN Bulletin, Dr Abdulkadir Oba Laaro,among several others.