Godsent Ogbebor
Build Tools to Combat Fake News—Lecturer Tells AI Developers
ABUJA: A lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, Dr. Tope Ojeme, has called on artificial intelligence developers to build digital tools capable of detecting fake news and addressing unethical media practices in Nigeria and across Africa.
Ojeme made the appeal while presenting a paper at the closing ceremony of the Second Quarter Courses of the West Africa Broadcast Media Academy (WABMA) in Abuja.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt by WABMA’s Registrar, Joseph Obari.
Speaking on the theme, Beyond Debunking: Building a Culture of Media Integrity in Africa’s Next Century, Ojeme stressed the need to address the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
“We must empower African developers, engineers, and creators to build AI-powered fact-checking plugins for newsrooms, and blockchain-based archives to safeguard journalistic content from tampering,” he said.
He said such tools would help secure open-data platforms and allow citizens to challenge falsehoods and hold leaders accountable.
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Ojeme warned that failure to act could leave the continent vulnerable to widespread misinformation, including the spread of fake cures, conspiracy theories in schools, and digitally manipulated elections.
He noted that although technology has played a role in amplifying fake news, it also holds the key to combating it. He advocated for the development of algorithms that prioritise verified content, detect falsehoods, and expose manipulated facts.
“The rapid growth of deepfake technology and viral falsehoods pose serious dangers, especially in regions already facing developmental challenges,” he said.
Ojeme called for the establishment of structured systems to uphold truth in media, including ‘truth desks’ in newsrooms, legal protections for journalists, and digital infrastructure to support fact-based reporting.
He added, “We are living in an age of noise, where the loudest microphone commands attention, speed supersedes sense, and volume overwhelms value.”
Earlier, WABMA Rector, Dr Ken Okere, said the academy is committed to shaping responsible media professionals who understand the power and responsibility of accurate communication.
Certificates were presented to participants who completed the academy’s media and communication courses, and cash prizes were awarded to winners of the DebunkIt Challenge, held to mark the 100th edition of the WABMA Fake News Debunker, which began in April 2022.
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