AI as ‘Poison and Antidote’: Professor Odunlami Urges Ethical Technology Use to Combat Misinformation

Media scholars, journalists, civil society actors and young digital innovators gathered in Abeokuta on Monday for a workshop exploring artificial intelligence’s expanding role in fact-checking and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The AI Fundamentals Workshop, held at ABIIS Hotels and Suites, brought together participants from across Nigeria’s media landscape, civic technology sector, and youth advocacy organizations. The event was organized by FactCheckAfrica as part of initiatives supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Catalyst Grant program.

Professor Dele Odunlami, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, delivered the keynote address, describing artificial intelligence as “the enemy you cannot hate.” His presentation, titled “Poison as Antidotes: Role of Artificial Intelligence, Fact-Checking in Enhancing Media Accountability and Combating Misinformation,” examined AI’s dual nature in today’s information ecosystem.

Odunlami explained that while AI has intensified misinformation through deepfakes, manipulated imagery and synthetic audio, it simultaneously offers powerful tools for detecting falsehoods and strengthening verification processes. “Just as AI can poison the information ecosystem, it can also serve as an antidote,” he noted, referencing FactCheckAfrica’s MYAIFactchecker among the AI-assisted verification tools being deployed by fact-checking organizations.

The timing of this workshop is particularly significant, coming approximately one year before Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Odunlami emphasized the constitutional responsibility of Nigerian media to hold power accountable during this critical period, warning that unchecked misinformation could undermine democratic participation, erode public trust, and compromise electoral integrity.

Drawing on lessons from Nigeria’s 2023 elections, which saw unprecedented levels of digital misinformation, Odunlami called for a strategic shift from reactive fact-checking to more proactive approaches. He advocated for stronger collaboration among fact-checking organizations, technology platforms, regulatory agencies, and youth-led initiatives to effectively counter increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns.

The professor highlighted the urgent need for investment in locally relevant AI tools capable of detecting AI-generated content, translating fact-checks into Nigeria’s numerous indigenous languages, and supporting media literacy initiatives at scale. He emphasized that these tools should be designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring accessibility for underserved communities and persons living with disabilities.

Odunlami’s address also broke new ground by connecting digital misinformation to public health concerns. He stressed the importance of integrating “trauma literacy” into digital education programs, noting that prolonged exposure to toxic and misleading online content could contribute to mental health challenges among Nigeria’s population, particularly young people who comprise the majority of internet users in the country.

The workshop provided attendees with hands-on training in AI-assisted verification techniques, digital investigation methodologies, and ethical guidelines for using AI tools in journalistic contexts. These practical sessions aimed to equip participants with skills needed to navigate Nigeria’s increasingly complex information landscape.

This event represents part of FactCheckAfrica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability journalism, empower youth engagement in democratic processes, and build societal resilience against misinformation. The organization has been conducting similar workshops across Nigeria, with a recent session held in Osun State focusing on transparency and accountability.

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, initiatives like this workshop highlight the growing recognition that addressing misinformation requires a multi-stakeholder approach combining technological innovation, media literacy, and ethical frameworks adapted to the country’s unique social and political context.