By HOSEA NYAMLONG
The Nigerian media landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it comes the need for journalists to adapt to technological advancements that are reshaping newsrooms worldwide. Recognising this transformation, The Stallion Times Media Service Limited, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, recently organised a one-day training workshop in Jos on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ethical Considerations in Newsrooms.
A new phase for Nigerian journalism
Held at the NUJ Press Centre Conference Hall, the workshop brought together selected journalists for an intensive session on AI applications and ethical practices in modern reporting. The Stallion Times Media Service Limited (a Kano-based organisation focused on research, publications, media training and consultancy), designed the training to build practical skills and enhance professional capacity in the fast-changing media environment.
THE NIGERIA STANDARD reports that the session was informative, educative and interactive, equipping participants with new tools and digital techniques to strengthen storytelling and investigative journalism. The training aligned with The Stallion Times’ mission to uphold journalistic ethics while fostering accountability and quality content creation.
In her welcome address, NUJ Chairman, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, commended the organisers for providing journalists with first-hand exposure to AI-driven innovations. She noted that AI had already become a part of newsroom operations and urged participants to maximise the opportunity.
“AI has come to stay with us, and we are already utilising its benefits in our various organisations, including newsrooms,” she said. “As journalists, you have a critical role in shaping public discourse, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving media landscape.”
Her remarks underscored the need to embrace AI while maintaining strong ethical standards. Pwaspo emphasised that technology should enhance, not replace, journalistic values.
AI tools and the future of the newsroom
The facilitator, Mr Isiyaku Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief of The Stallion Times Media, highlighted the need for Nigerian journalists to stay ahead of technological advancements to ensure relevance and credibility.
“The rapid advancement in technology and information systems demands that journalists stay ahead of the curve to deliver high-quality reporting,” he said, stressing the importance of ethics and professionalism in the age of automation.
Ahmed lamented the growing cases of plagiarism and poor work ethics among journalists, describing them as major threats to media integrity. He reaffirmed that The Stallion Times’ commitment to training was rooted in its core values of confidentiality, integrity, professionalism, transparency and accountability.
He explained that AI-powered tools such as news article generators, interactive news archives, chatbots, image generators and AI-driven fact-checking systems were already transforming newsroom operations. These tools help automate repetitive tasks, enhance accuracy and improve audience engagement.
AI, he said, enabled journalists to analyse large datasets, identify trends and produce more personalised and interactive content. However, he warned that the ethical use of AI was crucial, urging journalists to avoid bias and misinformation.
AI and IoT: Partners in progress, not replacements
During the session, Ahmed also introduced participants to the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), stressing that both technologies should be viewed as allies rather than threats.
While some journalists feared that AI may eventually take over human roles, the facilitator maintained that AI was a complementary force designed to augment journalistic capacity. “By embracing these tools, journalists can increase efficiency, improve content quality, and focus on high-value tasks like in-depth reporting and analysis,” he explained.
The facilitator outlined several AI benefits for journalists, including improved productivity, enhanced storytelling, audience engagement and stronger reader relationships. “Rather than replacing journalists, AI can help them stay ahead in an ever-evolving media landscape,” he said.
THE NIGERIA STANDARD gathered that AI systems were already being used globally to automate news production, generate creative content, power chatbots and even moderate online discussions.
Ethical reporting in the AI age
One of the central themes of the workshop was the ethical dimension of AI in journalism. Participants were reminded that while AI offers efficiency and precision, its misuse can lead to misinformation and loss of public trust.
The facilitator advised journalists to maintain transparency when using AI tools and to cross-check all AI-generated content for factual accuracy. Upholding ethical values, he said, was vital to preserving credibility in the digital era.
The training reaffirmed The Stallion Times Media Service Limited’s commitment to promoting excellence in journalism through capacity building. By investing in journalists’ skills and knowledge, the organisation sought to contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
As the industry continues to evolve, the workshop served as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for journalists to embrace innovation responsibly. It demonstrated that with AI and ethical commitment, Nigerian journalism can achieve greater depth, accuracy, and credibility in a technology-driven future.