By Roland Bayode
The Centre for Storytelling and Development Initiative (CSDI) has called for a holistic approach to education and training in the journalism field.
The organization dedicated to empowering young Africans and promoting the continent’s image through storytelling made the call at the 17th Annual Press Week celebration of the National Association of Mass Communication Students, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Chapter.
While delivering a speech on the event theme, “Media Innovation and AI Technologies: Understanding the Ethics and Future of Mass Communication,” CSDI founder, Saheed Ibrahim, highlighted the growing fascination with AI in journalism, emphasizing the pressing ethical issues and the necessity for responsible practices in the evolving media landscape.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Digital Media, Rahaman Adekunle Yusuf, Ibrahim noted that the journalism industry cannot overlook the influence of artificial intelligence in its practices, hence, the need to adequately train student journalists to be competent in using the AI tools.
RahamanYusuf receiving an award for Saheed Ibrahim
He demonstrated how AI can enhance efficiency, speed, and quality in journalism, proving valuable across the news value chain, from news ideation and gathering to production and distribution.
“AI personalized content recommendations, allowing media practitioners to tailor messages to audience needs and preferences. Whether a journalist or a professional in another field, AI tools can help you deliver audience-centric content effectively. But remember, don’t be a laggard,” he added.
Ibrahim also added that AI has influenced not only journalism practices but also storytelling, advertising and public relations.
He said, “Storytelling is now central to public relations and advertising, moving beyond conventional word-of-mouth methods. With AI tools, you can craft compelling stories across various formats. The allure of reels on Facebook, short videos on YouTube, and TikTok highlights how engaging content can be.”
The development journalist, however, highlighted concerns regarding AI use, which include overreliance on AI tools, plagiarism, laziness, and copyright infringement, among others.
AAUA Mass Communication students
Regarding the future of journalism and media professionals, Ibrahim suggested adopting a gown-town model used in universities in the US, where the faculty includes both practising professionals and theoretical experts.
“I recommend that your department integrate at least three practising professionals into each sequence to support our overburdened teachers. This model fosters well-rounded student development by pairing practical experience with theoretical knowledge,” he said.
The Mandela Washington Fellow also advocated for internships to be an ongoing aspect of the academic experience, not limited to a single semester, adding that his organisation is prepared to offer opportunities for such engagement.
He underscored the need for comprehensive training for journalism lecturers in using AI tools, using the ‘train the trainer’ approach, ensuring that lecturers pass on up-to-date skills to students.
Also, the Programme Director of CSDI, Juliet Buna, advised that journalists should not depend heavily on AI for their core tasks.
The broadcast journalist with Crest FM, Ibadan, stressed the importance of learning how to use AI ethically and effectively.
“Journalists must enhance their skills by mastering AI tools, fact-checking, and understanding the operational aspects of AI,” she said.
CSDI made a substantial financial donation to the development of the department.
Presentation of Award by Mrs. Sola Ilesanmi to Juliet Buna
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary of Ondo State and Chairman of the occasion emphasized the importance of using AI wisely and avoiding abuse of the tools.
Similarly, Motunrayo Oyedele, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Photography, encouraged students to embrace technological advancements and continually evolve.
She said, “AI is here to stay, and it will not replace human intuition and emotional connection. Consider AI as a helpful ally in research, data analysis, and content generation. However, it’s crucial to develop the ability to write independently and understand AI’s role in Mass Communication, distinguishing between those who are trained in the field and those who are not.”
Awards of recognition were bestowed on the speakers for their contributions to the media profession
