27/07/2025
AE-FUNAI DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION HOSTS ACSPN EMINENT PERSON’S SERIES WORKSHOP WITH A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI
The Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has hosted the eminent person’s series workshop of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), with the theme “The Media, Security and Artificial Intelligence”.
While giving his welcome remarks at the event, the Acting Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Joseph Chukwu, who doubles as the Ebonyi State Coordinator of ACSPN said the gathering held a special significance, as it marks ACSPN first workshop hosted at the university, where he has the honour of heading the Department of Mass Communication, adding that Since its inception in 2014, ACSPN has been a beacon of knowledge, collaboration, and professional development for communication scholars, practitioners, and students across Nigeria, with the Ebonyi State chapter, which was established in 2021, striving to foster an environment of learning and innovation in the communication field.
He noted that the annual workshop has become a vital platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking, stressing that theme of the workshop, “The Media, Security and Artificial Intelligence”, was timely and thought-provoking, adding that in an era where technology and communication intersect more profoundly than ever, it is imperative that the implications of artificial intelligence on media practices and security measures are explored, because communication professionals need to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of these emerging challenges.
Still speaking, Dr. Chukwu thanked the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sunday Elom, noting that his presence underscores the importance of the gathering and the commitment of our institution to advancing communication studies and practices in our society.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and sponsors who have made this workshop possible, noting that their dedication to enhancing the communication landscape in Nigeria is commendable, as he looks forward to the vibrant discussions and insights that will emerge from the sessions after what promises to be thought-provoking and explosive lecture from a world-acclaimed Clarivate-indexed Professor, Smart Otu.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe who is the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, represented by Hon. Chukwuma Ujebe, in his remarks, said that the theme of the workshop addresses the current challenges of the society, hoping that the deliberations on Artificial intelligence at the event will yield workable recommendations as security and wellbeing of the citizens is the major priority of government, adding that like any other technological development, AI has the capability to reduce security risks in the society.
Also Speaking at the event, the National President of ACSPN, Professor Rotimi Olatunji represented by Dr. Chike Emma Onwe, former Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, commended the university management for graciously accepting to host the workshop, which according to him, shows the university’s sheer commitment to academic excellence, which also is in line with the vision of ACSPN of bridging the gap in knowledge. He further called on all communication scholars to use AI responsibly.
While rendering his lecture, the Keynote speaker, a Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, Smart Otu who was represented by Dr. Uchenna Nnam said that Artificial Intelligence (AI), media and security, reflect topical areas of discourse in the contemporary global world, noting that while Nigeria is currently facing enormous security challenges, the media remains a critical stakeholder in the fight against insecurity.
Defining Artificial intelligence (AI), he said in simple terms, it refers to the ability of computers or machines to perform tasks that ordinarily and typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making., and listed the role of media in the society as public education, accountability, surveillance and support for security operations.
Professor Otu further noted that AI has significantly transformed the media industry, impacting content creation, delivery, and consumption, adding that it automates tasks, personalizes experiences, and revolutionizes how content is produced and distributed as the tools can also analyze data, generate insights, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of media operations.
Concluding, he stressed that media is vital in monitoring security institutions and helping citizens make informed decisions regarding the security sector, noting that Journalists often encounter numerous obstacles and challenges in reporting on the security sector and performing their watchdog function, stating that government may restrict access to information or seek to co-opt journalists, while the media may risk internalizing official perspectives on perceived threats to national security.
He maintained that reliance on privileged official statements, and a lack of expertise on security issues, can undermine the media’s ability to act as a watchdog, noting that to play an effective role in overseeing the security sector, journalists must have a degree of distance from government and protection from intimidation and threats that is not being partisan.