From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bande, has called for the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), also known as robotics.
“The whole notion of how you see the world is shaped by technology. Technology is key to national development,” Prof. Bande, who is also a former President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said.
Our correspondent in Sokoto reports that the don, who is also the incumbent District Head of Besse in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, made the call on Monday in Sokoto at the opening of the five-day Maiden Mass Communication International Conference 2026, organised by Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Organised by the Department of Mass Communication of the university, the conference has as its theme: “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”
According to the former envoy, such regulation is important not only at the national level but also internationally, adding that it is necessary to prevent the negative uses of AI while maximising its benefits.
Prof. Bande further expressed delight that the conference was addressing the issue, saying, “The media can be manipulated to spread false information.”
He, however, stressed that ethics, truth and wisdom are crucial to the media profession, while applauding the university for convening the conference and attracting international resource persons.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bashir Garba, maintained that AI is no longer a subject confined to science fiction novels or the imagination of scientists.
He said: “It is here, in our newsrooms, on our smartphones, in algorithms that decide what news we see and, increasingly, what we believe.
“AI is reshaping media, influencing our ethics, and could permeate virtually every aspect of human endeavour.”
Also speaking, a former Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said: “Communication is crucial to everything we do.
“Wrong communication can destroy, while the right communication can build stronger relationships.
“While commending this initiative by the university, I must call for its sustenance to make it an annual event.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawal Zayyana, admonished media practitioners to always have the fear of Almighty God in their reportage.
“They should also be ethical and positive in everything they do. The conference is a welcome initiative by the university.”
The keynote speaker, Prof. Kehbuma Langmia, Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, School of Communications, Howard University, USA, underscored the importance of AI in the contemporary media industry.
According to the don, information must be used to “kill ignorance”, noting that “we are now suffering from the algorithm of dependence.
“We must therefore urgently move to the algorithm of inclusivity. AI is a third partner, not a third leader.”
Prof. Langmia said that while everyone must embrace AI, Mass Communication students should also study Computer Science.
He further advocated the development of AI applications “on Africa and for Africa.”
“We need to regulate data centres in Nigeria, Africa and the world,” he added.
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