The PRNigeria office on Thursday hosted a public lecture and commemorative event to mark the 48th birthday of the founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, bringing together media professionals, academics and public relations practitioners.
The event featured a public lecture themed “AI and the Emerging Trends of Online Newspapers: Reflections on the Ethics of Journalism,” with discussions centred on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media practice and the need to uphold ethical and professional standards in the digital age.
In his remarks, the President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Mohammad Israr, disclosed that MAAUN is the first university in Northern Nigeria to secure professional membership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He described the milestone as a reflection of the institution’s commitment to ethical communication and professional excellence.
Professor Israr noted that the university remains focused on delivering quality education that responds to contemporary societal needs, adding that the Mass Communication Department is positioned to continue producing graduates capable of excelling in the media industry within Kano State and across Nigeria.
The Editor of PRNigeria, Yusha’u Shuaibu, commended Professor Gwarzo for his sustained investment in education and scholarship, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
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He said PRNigeria was honoured to host the celebration in recognition of Gwarzo’s contributions to academic development and media advancement.
“PRNigeria is delighted to host this occasion in honour of a man whose passion for education and human development has continued to inspire many across the region,” Shuaibu said.
Delivering the lead presentation, the Project Manager of PRNigeria, Muhammad Dahiru Lawan, examined the impact of artificial intelligence on online journalism, noting that while AI offers efficiency and innovation, it also raises ethical concerns that journalists must consciously address.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo Foundation, Dr. Musa Sufi, cautioned journalists against overreliance on artificial intelligence, stressing that technology should serve as a support tool rather than a substitute for professional competence.
“AI is here to assist professionals in doing their work better, but it cannot do everything for anyone,” Sufi said. “It becomes dangerous for journalists who fail to improve themselves or learn new techniques. You must be able to do your work independently, even when you leverage on AI.”
He likened developments in the media industry to innovations in the health sector, where professionals continuously adapt to new research and technologies.
The convener of the event, Adnan Mukhtar, Chief Executive Officer of Adnan Mukhtar and Associates, a Kano-based public relations firm, said the programme was organised to honour his mentor, Professor Gwarzo, whom he described as a distinguished journalist and academic.
Mukhtar noted that Professor Gwarzo had invested his personal resources in the development of people and education, leading to the establishment of the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria.
According to him, such commitment to human capital development remains rare in Northern Nigeria.
“I don’t think we have many personalities of his kind across the northern states, considering his character and lifelong dedication to education,” Mukhtar said.
He concluded by wishing Professor Gwarzo a happy 48th birthday and many more years of impactful service to humanity.
The lecture is very much interesting especially talking about the Artificial Intelligence (AI) to honour the titan of education in our society, in person of Prof. ADAMU ABUBAKAR Gwarzo at 48. The only thing I can add in this respect is to wish the celebrant many more years of happy returns, to be able to contribute more to the society. As for the AI, Artificial Intelligence (AI), which refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require
human intelligence. These tasks also include speech recognition, problem-solving, writing, decision-making,
and data analysis. In the media industry, Indeed, AI tools assist with transcription, content creation, editing,
fact-checking, news verification, and workflow management. Finally, the title of the event is apt and considerate as well as well taught out. Bravo to PRNigeria for HONOURING the honourable. Well done and thank you to the organisers and contributors. Regards to all