The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) have called for the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to uphold truth, trust, and human dignity in the digital era.
They made the call on Friday in Abuja during a symposium organised by the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) to commemorate the 2025 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, hosted by NOUN.
The event, themed “Promoting AI Adoption and Gratification through Media and Information Literacy,” drew experts, policymakers, and academics to examine the opportunities and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI integration in society.
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, reiterated the university’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government, UNESCO, and development partners to ensure that “technology empowers and Artificial Intelligence serves humanity.”
In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, he said: “This annual global event, convened under the auspices of UNESCO, reminds us of the growing importance of Media and Information Literacy in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and the rapid exchange of information.”
Prof. Peters noted that NOUN’s consecutive selection as host of the global symposium underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing equitable access to media and information literacy education across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Director of Public Communication, Barrister Henshaw Ogubike, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to digital integrity and responsible communication in the age of AI.
“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation remains steadfast in promoting media and information environments that encourage truth, transparency, creativity, and national unity,” the Minister said.
He added that through collaborations with UNESCO, IMILI, and other partners, the ministry continues to advance initiatives that combat misinformation and encourage citizens to harness digital tools for social and economic growth.
Ms. Yachat Nuhu, representing the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, emphasised that media and information literacy are essential for protecting freedom of expression and access to information — two pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Media and Information Literacy is key to addressing the challenges of the 21st century, including the proliferation of misinformation, the decline of trust in media, and the transformative impact of digital innovation, notably artificial intelligence,” she said.
Nuhu warned that while AI improves access to information, it also introduces challenges such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, and deepfake technology, urging that MIL must evolve to equip citizens with skills to navigate these emerging threats.
Participants at the symposium unanimously agreed that the future of AI must be anchored on ethics, accountability, and human-centred values to prevent misuse and digital exploitation.
They called on stakeholders from government to academia and civil society to work collectively in ensuring AI technologies advance human welfare rather than undermine it.
