Africa Urged to Develop AI Tools for Local Needs

Salim Ashir Mahuta delivered a keynote address at the maiden international conference of the Department of Mass Communication at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, where he stressed the importance of Africa developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to meet local needs. He described the current reliance on algorithms as problematic and called for greater inclusivity in the development of AI technologies.

Mahuta urged mass communication students to study computer science alongside their communication courses to prepare for changes in the media industry. He advocated for the development of AI applications that require regulated data centers across Nigeria.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Prof. Bashir Garba, noted that AI has transitioned from science fiction to a part of everyday life, influencing how people access information.

Sultan Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, and district head Alhaji Lawal Zayyana also encouraged media practitioners to uphold ethics in their duties.