Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and former President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bande, has called for urgent national and international regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that the rapidly expanding technology could undermine media credibility, distort public discourse and threaten democratic values if left without effective oversight.
Prof. Bande made the call on Monday while declaring open the maiden 2026 International Conference of the Department of Mass Communication at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
The five-day conference, themed “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” attracted scholars, media practitioners, policymakers and international experts to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in journalism and national development.
Addressing participants, the former UN diplomat described technology as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, social transformation and national development, but cautioned that the unprecedented rise of AI demands comprehensive regulatory frameworks at both national and global levels.
“The whole notion of how you see the world is shaped by technology. Technology is key to national development,” Bande said.
He stressed that the regulation of AI should transcend national boundaries, arguing that global cooperation is essential to prevent misuse of emerging technologies while preserving their developmental benefits.
“Such regulation is important not only nationally but internationally. It is required to avoid the negative uses of AI while maximizing its enormous benefits,” he stated.
Bande warned that AI-powered platforms and digital technologies could be exploited to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion and erode public trust in the media.
“The media can be manipulated to say things falsely. That is why ethics, truth and wisdom remain crucial in journalism,” he added.
He commended the university for convening a conference focused on one of the most pressing issues confronting modern societies and for attracting international scholars to contribute to discussions on the future of communication in the digital age.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bashir Garba, said AI has already become an integral part of contemporary life and is reshaping the way information is produced, distributed and consumed.
“AI is no longer a subject confined to science fiction novels or the imagination of scientists. It is here in our newsrooms, on our smartphones, in algorithms that determine what news we see and, increasingly, what we believe,” he said.
According to him, the technology is redefining media operations, professional ethics and public discourse, with consequences that extend across governance, education, business and virtually every sector of society.
Former Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, underscored the importance of communication in nation-building and social stability, warning that misinformation and poor communication practices could have damaging consequences.
“Communication is crucial to everything we do. Wrong communication can destroy, while the right communication can build stronger relationships,” he said.
Shehu urged the university to sustain the conference as a permanent platform for intellectual engagement on emerging issues affecting the media and society.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the District Head of Gwadabawa, Lawal Zayyana, called on journalists to remain committed to ethical reporting and professional responsibility.
“Journalists should always have the fear of Almighty God in their reportage. They should be ethical and positive in everything they do,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Kehbuma Langmia, Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Howard University, examined the transformative impact of AI on global media systems and knowledge production.
“Information must be used to kill ignorance. We are now suffering from the algorithm of dependence, and we must urgently move to the algorithm of inclusivity,” he said.
Langmia argued that AI should complement human intelligence rather than replace it.
“AI is a third partner, not a third leader,” he declared.
He also urged African universities to equip students with digital and computer science skills to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving media ecosystem, while advocating the development of indigenous AI solutions tailored to African realities.
“We need AI applications on Africa and for Africa. We also need to regulate data centres in Nigeria, across Africa and around the world,” he said.
The conference highlighted growing concerns among academics, governments and media professionals about balancing technological innovation with ethical governance, as nations seek ways to harness the benefits of Artificial Intelligence while safeguarding truth, accountability and democratic institutions in the digital era.
