WIKKITIMES, Partners Organize Workshop on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence for Accountability Journalism

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

In a bid to promote ethical journalism and leverage technology for social justice, WIKKITIMES Media and Publishing Limited, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, organized a one-day workshop titled “Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence to Drive Accountability Journalism for Social Justice.” The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, brought together journalists, journalism students, and media practitioners in Bauchi to discuss the responsible application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accountability journalism.

Speaking during the event, Mallam Shamsu Abdul, Head of the Mass Communication Department at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, expressed his excitement about the workshop, describing it as a fulfillment of his vision to foster learning and collaboration in journalism education. He emphasized the importance of understanding and utilizing AI responsibly to enhance journalistic practices. “This workshop is an opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas. As journalists, we must learn to use AI positively, understanding its capabilities and limitations,” he said. Abdul also underscored the role of accountability journalism in promoting ethical responsibility, transparency, and unbiased reporting in society.

In a goodwill message, Muhammad Isa, Dean of the School of General Studies, applauded the partnership between the organizers and highlighted the relevance of the training. He noted that research, accountability, and artificial intelligence are indispensable tools for development and stressed that this workshop was timely for the Nigerian journalism landscape. “This training comes at a crucial time when Nigeria needs mechanisms to enhance good governance and social justice,” Isa stated. He also encouraged participants to actively engage and apply the knowledge gained to improve their professional practices, emphasizing the long-term impact of such knowledge on their careers.

Ajibola Amzat, Co-Publisher of WIKKITIMES, delivered the keynote presentation titled “Accountability Journalism: A Guide for Aspiring Journalists.” In his speech, he described accountability journalism as the cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing its critical role in holding power to account and fostering transparency, integrity, and public trust. “What we suffer in Nigeria today is a direct result of poor accountability journalism. As journalists, we must verify facts, provide context, and challenge powerful interests without bias,” Amzat said. He elaborated on the principles of accountability journalism, highlighting truth, accuracy, fairness, impartiality, and the courage to challenge powerful interests as essential components of impactful journalism.