The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oyo State, Akeem Abas, said artificial intelligence would only displace journalists who fail to acquire relevant digital skills.
Abas made the remarks Wednesday in Ibadan at a two-day training on artificial intelligence organised by the state council of the union in collaboration with the American Open University, Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the training is titled “Empowering Journalists with Artificial Intelligence for Ethical, Innovative and Future-ready Journalism.”
Abas said journalists equipped with digital and AI skills should be seen as partners in national development rather than a threat to it.
“With AI competence, journalists can become media consultants, offering data analysis, content strategy and communication advisory services to governments, institutions and the private sector,” he said.
He said such skills would also enable journalists to establish media and technology startups, including fact-checking platforms, local data hubs, investigative journalism labs, digital storytelling studios and AI-assisted news platforms serving niche audiences.
Abas added that journalists could function as policy advisers and public communication experts, supporting government agencies, lawmakers and development institutions with research-based insights, public engagement strategies and evidence-driven narratives.
He said the training was designed to build capacity, not as an act of charity, and aligns with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda, which prioritises digital skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
“As the country moves toward a knowledge-based economy, journalists must not be excluded from this transformation,” Abas said.
He said the training of 120 journalists fulfilled campaign promises by the current union leadership to equip members with skills needed for relevance and sustainability in a changing economy.
“AI will not replace journalists; it will only replace journalists who refuse to learn,” he said.
Abas urged participants to move beyond routine reporting to more analytical and solution-oriented journalism, calling on them to interrogate data, interpret public policies and inform citizens in ways that strengthen democracy and accountability.
