Lifestyle

By Ibrahim Happiness

‎Every year from April 24 to 30, the world marks World Immunisation Week, a global campaign coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to highlight one of the most effective public health tools ever developed: vaccines. In 2026, the campaign comes with renewed urgency as countries work to close immunity gaps, restore routine vaccination disrupted in recent years, and protect millions of children and adults from preventable diseases.

‎‎This year’s theme, “For every generation, vaccines work,” underscores a simple but powerful reality: immunisation is not only for infants. Vaccines protect people throughout life, from newborn babies receiving their first doses, to adolescents, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and older adults needing booster or age-specific protection. It is a reminder that vaccines have served families for generations and remain central to a healthier future.

‎Globally, vaccines have transformed human survival. WHO estimates that immunisation has saved more than 150 million lives over the last 50 years, with most of those lives saved being those of infants. Vaccination has reduced deaths from diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, while preventing lifelong disabilities and severe complications that once devastated communities. Public health experts note that vaccines are among the most cost-effective investments any nation can make because they prevent illness before it starts, reduce pressure on hospitals, and strengthen productivity.

‎Yet despite this progress, millions of children worldwide still miss out on essential vaccines each year. The reasons vary by country: poverty, insecurity, displacement, weak health systems, long travel times to clinics, shortages of trained health workers, and the spread of misinformation. When vaccination rates decline, diseases quickly return. Recent outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses in several parts of the world have shown how fragile progress can be.

‎In Nigeria, World Immunisation Week is particularly significant. Africa’s most populous country has made progress in expanding routine immunisation through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), state governments, donor partners, and frontline health workers. Vaccines for children are provided free through public health facilities, and campaigns against polio, measles, yellow fever and meningitis have helped protect millions.

‎However, challenges remain substantial. Many rural and hard-to-reach communities still struggle with access to health centres. Insecurity in parts of the country continues to disrupt outreach services. Urban slums also face low coverage due to population movement and poor health infrastructure. In some communities, false claims about vaccine safety continue to create hesitation among parents.

‎Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has repeatedly stressed in 2026 that strengthening primary healthcare and expanding routine immunisation are key pillars of the federal government’s health reform agenda. He has called for stronger state-level accountability, improved cold-chain systems, and deeper community engagement to ensure that no child is left behind. According to the minister, immunisation is not merely a health intervention but an investment in national development, because healthy children are more likely to learn, grow, and contribute productively to society.

‎The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, has also emphasised the importance of reaching zero-dose children, those who have never received a single routine vaccine. He noted that Nigeria’s progress will depend on better data systems, mobile outreach teams, local partnerships, and trust-building with communities.

‎International partners have echoed similar concerns. UNICEF and World Health Organisation officials in Nigeria have warned that preventable diseases can spread rapidly when immunisation services are missed, especially among vulnerable children. They continue to urge governments and families to prioritise vaccination and routine health checks.

‎‎World Immunisation Week, therefore, is more than a symbolic observance. It is a timely reminder that progress in health must be protected. Vaccines only work when they reach people. A child in a remote village deserves the same protection as a child in a city hospital. A mother deserves accurate information, not fear-driven rumours. Health workers deserve the support and tools needed to save lives.

‎For Nigeria, the path forward is clear: sustained political commitment, increased domestic funding, stronger local healthcare systems, and public trust. Communities, religious leaders, schools, media organisations and civil society all have a role to play in promoting accurate information and encouraging uptake.

‎As the world marks World Immunisation Week 2026, the message remains straightforward and timeless: vaccines work, they save lives, and they must reach every generation.

‎Ibrahim Happiness is a 300-level Strategic Communication student at the University of Abuja and an intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: happinessibrahim11@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar Tahir

Across many communities in northern Nigeria, malnutrition remains a quiet but devastating reality. In rural homes and crowded settlements alike, countless children grow up without the essential nutrients required for healthy development.

The signs are often visible, including stunted growth, frequent illness, low energy levels, and poor cognitive development—but the deeper consequences are far more profound. Malnutrition weakens family foundations, strains healthcare systems, and ultimately undermines society’s long-term development.

Jigawa State is not immune to this silent crisis. Despite various public health interventions over the years, malnutrition continues to affect children and vulnerable populations across the state. Poverty, food insecurity, low dietary diversity, and limited public awareness about proper nutrition all contribute to the persistence of the problem.

At this critical moment, one practical and impactful step the Jigawa State Government can take is to urgently recruit and deploy professional nutritionists across the state’s healthcare system.

Nutrition is the cornerstone of human development. A balanced diet supports healthy physical growth, strengthens the immune system, enhances brain development, and improves overall well-being.

When nutrition is inadequate, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Conditions such as stunting, wasting, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect many children and women in Jigawa State, undermining not only their health but also the social and economic future of the state.

Health experts emphasise that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to the age of two are the most critical for physical and cognitive development. Poor nutrition during this period can lead to irreversible damage, including impaired learning ability, weakened immunity, and increased vulnerability to disease throughout life. Ensuring proper nutrition during this early stage, therefore, requires professional guidance and sustained community engagement.

Unfortunately, Jigawa State is currently facing a growing shortage of professional nutritionists within its healthcare system. Many nutrition officers who previously served in hospitals and public health facilities have recently retired, leaving a significant gap that remains unfilled. As a result, several health facilities now operate without functional nutrition units, while in others, the departments have become largely inactive due to the absence of trained personnel.

This situation is both concerning and avoidable. Across Nigeria, universities and colleges continue to graduate qualified nutritionists every year. Yet many of these professionals remain unemployed or underutilised due to limited opportunities within the public health sector. Jigawa State, therefore, has an opportunity to strengthen its healthcare delivery system by recruiting these young professionals and deploying them to general hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and community health programmes.

Professional nutritionists play a critical role in disease prevention and health promotion. They guide families on proper dietary practices, support maternal and child nutrition, and educate communities on healthy eating habits using locally available foods. Their interventions can significantly reduce cases of malnutrition, improve patient recovery, and enhance the overall health profile of the population.

Beyond hospitals, nutritionists also play an essential role in schools. With the expansion of school feeding programmes in Nigeria, ensuring the nutritional quality of meals provided to pupils has become increasingly important. Qualified nutritionists can design balanced meal plans, monitor food preparation standards, and ensure that these programmes genuinely contribute to children’s physical and cognitive development.

Community-based nutrition education is another area where these professionals are urgently needed. Through outreach programmes, health campaigns, and grassroots engagement, nutritionists can educate rural families on the importance of balanced diets, food safety, proper infant feeding practices, and hygiene.

Crucially, they can also demonstrate how affordable, locally available foods—such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and animal products—can be combined to meet nutritional needs.

Given Jigawa State’s predominantly agrarian economy, nutritionists can also collaborate with agricultural extension services to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Encouraging households to cultivate diverse crops, improve food storage, and adopt better food preparation practices can significantly improve household nutrition and reduce dependency on expensive food items.

Meanwhile, a couple of visits to several hospitals across Jigawa State reveal a worrying reality. Many facilities operate without nutrition officers, leaving nurses and other health workers to manage cases that require specialised dietary expertise. In some institutions, nutrition departments have virtually ceased to function due to staff shortages. This weakens the health system’s ability to effectively address malnutrition and diet-related illnesses.

Equally concerning is the situation in higher institutions offering nutrition and dietetics programmes, where departments sometimes struggle with limited staffing and resources to train future professionals. Strengthening the nutrition workforce will therefore require both recruitment into the healthcare system and sustained support for training institutions.

It is important to acknowledge that the Jigawa State Government has made commendable progress in improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding primary healthcare services across the state. Investments in health facilities, maternal healthcare programmes, and immunisation services have improved health outcomes in many communities.

However, strengthening the nutrition workforce must become an essential component of these broader health reforms. Without trained professionals to address nutrition-related challenges, efforts to combat maternal and child mortality, infectious diseases, and poor health outcomes will remain incomplete.

Recruiting and deploying professional nutritionists is not merely a staffing decision—it is a strategic investment in public health, human capital development, and the long-term prosperity of Jigawa State. A healthier and well-nourished population is more productive, better educated, and more capable of contributing meaningfully to economic and social development.

Jigawa State, therefore, stands at an important crossroads. By prioritising the employment of nutritionists in hospitals, primary healthcare centres, schools, and community health programmes, the government can take a decisive step toward reducing malnutrition and improving the well-being of its citizens.

The fight against malnutrition requires commitment, expertise, and timely action. The time to act is now.

Muhammad Abubakar Tahir, a concerned citizen, writes from Hadejia, Jigawa State.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigerian social media sensation and traditional herbal vendor Eniola Fagbemi, widely known as Sisi Alagbo, has issued a public apology after an explicit video involving her, her husband, and another woman was leaked to the public.

The video, which initially circulated via private messaging apps before reaching broader social media platforms and gossip blogs, sparked intense debate and immediate backlash. Many expressed shock at the footage, given Fagbemi’s prominent digital presence as a wellness and traditional medicine entrepreneur based in Ibadan.

Breaking her silence on her official Facebook page, Fagbemi admitted to her mistakes and pleaded with her massive following not to castigate her or destroy the brand she has built. In her statement, she revealed that the fallout from the leak has triggered severe emotional distress, leaving her unable to properly eat or sleep.

Fagbemi emphasised that her social media platform is her primary source of livelihood and asked the public to separate her private choices from her commercial enterprise.

Her husband, Adesola Akeem, also stepped forward to address the scandal in a separate public statement. He accepted full responsibility for the file leak and expressed deep regret.

Despite the wave of criticism, a section of her fanbase has actively called for empathy, urging the public to show kindness given the heavy mental health strain the influencer is currently experiencing.

By Ibrahim Yunusa 

The Cross River State Government has refuted reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 cases in the state, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In an official statement, the State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, clarified that as of April 23, 2026, the state has only one confirmed case of COVID-19. He explained that the individuals mentioned in the report were merely contacts identified through contact tracing linked to the existing case, not newly confirmed infections.

Ayuk emphasised that contact tracing remains a standard public health response aimed at preventing further spread of the virus and should not be misconstrued as confirmation of additional cases.

The government urged residents to disregard unverified information and rely on updates from credible and official sources. It also reassured the public that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm.

By Aisha Musa Auyo, PhD 

I first learned about a tongue-tie when my third son, Anwar, was admitted to the hospital due to a high fever. I was to share a room with another patient, and I was furious. I told the nurses I would prefer to stay in the corridor rather than share a room. I hate sharing rooms, especially in a hospital.

“The amenity room is fully booked. A patient will soon leave, and you’ll be transferred there,” a nurse told me.

I kept whining and complaining. My husband kept saying I should be patient…..“it’s just for a few days.” In my mind, I was like, you’ll never understand what it means to share a hospital room, because you’ve never experienced it. It’s easier said than done.

I accepted defeat and entered the room. Anwar was crying so loudly that he drew the other patient’s attention. In my mind, I thought, you see why I avoid sharing rooms…. I dislike inconveniencing others. I didn’t think the patient would be able to sleep with that noise.

One of the women attending to the other patient asked me, “Do you know that your son has a tongue-tie?”

I said no. What’s a tongue-tie? I had never heard of it.

She told me to look at his tongue while he was crying and said I would see a tissue-like thread holding it, meaning the tongue isn’t free. When I checked, I saw it was very visible.

I asked her more about it, and she explained that it’s natural for some babies to be born with it. Usually, doctors notice it and remove it shortly after birth. But if it isn’t addressed early, it may require a minor surgery to remove it. Anwar was about six months old then.

I thanked her and asked for the way forward. She recommended a paediatrician.

Before the procedure, I read about tongue-tie from over a hundred sites, and spoke to more than ten doctors… lol. It turned out to be a minor surgical procedure that didn’t take more than a minute, since he was still a baby. It gets more complicated with age.

From my research, I also learned that Anwar’s feeding difficulty was likely caused by a tongue-tie.

Many children with tongue-tie may also experience:

– Speech difficulties, especially with sounds like “t”, “d”, “l”, “r”, “s”, and “th”

– Unclear or slightly slurred speech

– (Though not every child with tongue-tie has speech issues, it can contribute)

Other possible effects include:

– Oral hygiene challenges (difficulty clearing food, increased risk of tooth decay)

– Eating difficulties (trouble licking, swallowing, or moving food around the mouth)

– Dental or jaw development issues (such as gaps or bite alignment problems)

– Social or psychological effects, like reduced confidence due to speech or tongue movement limitations

Anwar’s procedure (frenotomy) was done seamlessly, and everything returned to normal. Alhamdulillah.

After that experience, I made it a point to pay closer attention to babies. I realised it’s quite common, yet not widely known. I’ve made it a personal responsibility to educate parents about it before it becomes complicated.

There’s also a lesson here:

1. Not everything we dislike is bad. Sometimes, what we resist is exactly what we need….or what will benefit us the most.

2. I hate sharing rooms with strangers because I don’t want to inconvenience anyone or feel like a burden. But from that experience, I learned something valuable…. and now I’m sharing it with others. So maybe it’s not so bad after all. Hausa people say, “mutane rahama ne” (people are a blessing).

3. No matter your position, knowledge, number of children, or experience, there’s always something you don’t know. And there’s always something you can learn from others—their experiences, exposure, and expertise.

Anyway, when I gave birth to Azrah, my fourth child, I was subconsciously checking for tongue-tie—and I saw one! Hausa people, again, say: “Mai nema na tare da samu”… Bature yace: “He who seeketh… findeth.”

That was after a full check-up by nurses, doctors, and even a paediatrician. I brought it to their attention, and they confirmed it. The minor surgical procedure (frenotomy) was done four days after birth.

I hated the sight of blood on her tiny mouth, but what could I do? The earlier, the better. Alhamdulillah.

If you’ve learned something from this write-up, kindly share it so others can benefit too.

If you’d like to read more stories and reflections like this, drawn from real-life experiences, you can get my book Between Hearts and Homes for deeper, relatable insights into everyday life.

Aisha Musa Auyo, PhD, is an Educational Psychologist, author, and media professional passionate about translating research into practical impact. She writes on parenting, family, and education, drawing from expertise and personal experience. Aisha is also a parenting and relationship coach and founder of Eesher Auyo’s Empire in Abuja, Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has acknowledged receipt of a formal petition alleging medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in the treatment of Alhaji Nuhu Dantani, who died at the facility on March 31, 2026.

In an official letter dated April 17, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration, Idriss Omar, on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. A. Ahidjo, the hospital management confirmed that an internal investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The petition was filed by Hamza N. Dantani Esq. of Potent Attorneys in Abuja, who is acting on behalf of the deceased’s family. The legal complaint cites systemic failure and demands accountability for the loss of the elder statesman, who was admitted under Hospital Number 760494.

In the hospital’s response addressed to the family’s legal counsel, management extended “heartfelt condolences” and acknowledged the severity of the allegations.

“We understand the gravity of the concerns raised and wish to assure you that the Hospital takes allegations of medical negligence and unprofessional conduct seriously,” the statement read in part. “A thorough investigation into the matter has been initiated, and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that justice is served.”

The hospital has not disclosed the details of the specific clinical incident or the nature of the alleged negligence pending the outcome of the investigation. The case has highlighted patient safety protocols at one of Northeast Nigeria’s largest tertiary healthcare institutions.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A 3-foot-tall medical doctor in India, Dr Ganesh Baraiya, is inspiring millions worldwide after his extraordinary journey was spotlighted by BBC News.

Born with dwarfism and standing at just about three feet, Baraiya grew up confronting stigma and low expectations. In the widely circulated report, he recalled being once offered a place in a circus—a path his father firmly rejected in favour of education and a life of dignity.

That decision changed everything.

Against the odds, Baraiya pursued his studies with determination, overcoming social and institutional barriers to qualify as a medical doctor. When discrimination threatened to halt his progress, he refused to back down, taking his fight for equal opportunity to India’s Supreme Court.

Today, the 3-foot-tall doctor stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and possibility. His story has gone viral, touching hearts across the world and sparking renewed calls for inclusion and equal access for persons with disabilities.

For many, Baraiya’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it is a reminder that greatness is not measured by physical stature but by strength of purpose.

By Uzair Adam

As National Kidney Month comes to an end, health experts continue to emphasise the need for greater awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the steps people can take to prevent it.

The kidneys play a vital role in the body by filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. When these organs become damaged, they gradually lose their ability to perform this function properly.

Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease and, in severe situations, kidney failure.

A 2025 study reported that CKD is becoming an increasing global health concern, affecting about 11 to 14 percent of adults, with more than 25 million people potentially living with the condition.

In Nigeria, however, many people remain unaware of the dangers, often resulting in late diagnosis when the disease has already progressed to advanced stages.

Understanding daily habits that may contribute to kidney damage can play a key role in preventing the condition. Several lifestyle choices that seem harmless can gradually place pressure on the kidneys if they are repeated frequently.

One common habit is not drinking enough water. Proper hydration is essential for the kidneys to function effectively because they rely on water to filter waste from the blood and produce urine.

When the body lacks sufficient fluids, toxins can accumulate, increasing the likelihood of kidney stones and infections. Severe dehydration can also weaken kidney function over time.

Health experts recommend a daily intake of about 2.7 litres of water for women and 3.7 litres for men.

Another habit that may harm the kidneys is the frequent use of painkillers. Many people turn to medications to cope with physical stress and fatigue, but excessive or unsupervised use can damage the kidneys.

Drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, which belong to the group known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may gradually affect kidney tissues when taken too often.

Long-term misuse has been associated with a condition known as Analgesic Nephropathy, where the filtering units of the kidneys become damaged.

These medications can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys, raising the risk of injury and scarring.

Frequent consumption of energy drinks is another lifestyle habit that can negatively affect kidney health.

Although many people use them to cope with daily stress or fatigue, these drinks typically contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar.

Excess caffeine increases urine production, which can lead to dehydration and additional strain on the kidneys.

High sugar intake, on the other hand, may contribute to health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, both of which are known risk factors for kidney disease.

Studies have also linked heavy consumption of energy drinks to several kidney-related complications, including reduced kidney function and acute kidney injury.

The combination of caffeine, taurine and sugar found in many of these beverages may increase oxidative stress and gradually put pressure on the kidneys.

Another factor that can affect kidney health is physical inactivity. Research shows that many adults do not engage in enough exercise, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle.

A lack of regular physical activity has been associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and faster decline in kidney function.

Health experts advise that maintaining healthy habits — including staying hydrated, using medications responsibly, limiting energy drinks and engaging in regular physical activity — can significantly reduce the risk of kidney-related diseases.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis as activities marking World TB Day 2026 are held, reaffirming its commitment to controlling and eliminating the disease.

Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the state is emerging as one of the leading in Nigeria’s fight against tuberculosis.

According to the statement, the government has continued to scale up interventions aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, which remains a major public health concern.

Speaking during the commemoration, the Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the state is taking deliberate steps to address the burden of tuberculosis through sustained health programmes and policies.

He noted that TB is still a serious health challenge but added that the government is intensifying efforts to curb its spread across communities.

The commissioner explained that symptoms of the disease include persistent cough, excessive sweating and significant weight loss, warning that tuberculosis is airborne and can easily be transmitted if not properly managed.

“The symptoms should not be ignored, as early detection remains critical in controlling the disease,” he said.

He further stated that the government is committed to eradicating TB through various initiatives, including the renovation of Yada Kunya General Hospital to improve treatment and patient care.

Yusuf also commended the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support in strengthening the health sector.

The statement revealed that 913 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis in Kano State in the past year, with 720 successfully treated, indicating progress in managing the disease.

It added that development partners have supported the state with mobile healthcare vehicles to expand access to medical services, particularly in underserved communities.

Health officials urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain key to stopping the spread of tuberculosis.

By Abdalla Uba Adamu

My most recent post on the Hausa traditional technologies of cloth-making and weaving raised a very interesting—and very welcome—comment: did I use AI to write the post? The simple answer is no. Now, let me unpack the issue (and while this sentence is not AI-generated, it is definitely AI-syntax!!!).

I have noticed over several weeks postings that are definitely AI by people whose writing I am quite familiar with. You get to notice these things after almost half-century of teaching and supervising student projects and dissertations at all level, and all in the English language. Words that keep popping up in these recent postings include: “ecosystem”, “DNA”, “spine”, “architecture”, “chamber”, “leverage”, “cartography”, “nuance”, “cascade”, and of course, “unpack.” 

Generative AI produces prose in a neat, grammatically correct and often archaic language. When someone is not used to writing in that syntax and they suddenly do, then it is AI at work. And words that don’t belong in normal conversation. For God’s sake, how frequently do you use “ecosystem” or “DNA”? But suddenly they begin to appear in someone’s writing! Even if it is not directly AI, you were subtly influenced by AI Grammar!

Further, AI can produce perfect grammar and spelling, but the content often lacks depth or original insight. Do you see spelling errors or factual mistakes? That’s human, not AI. Do you see polished perfect grammatically error-free narrative? Suspect, but not always, AI, especially if the person is not a seasoned or regular writer.

As I assured my commenter, none of my postings has ever been written by AI, nor will it be. Every word, comma and period are made by me in Ɗorayi Babba, Kano! My writing might seem like AI simply because I use an academic register in my normal writing. In other words, ingantaccen turanci, which the AI machine is not used to seeing in social media posts. AI detectors are guessing probabilities—not identifying authorship. I write very carefully, going over what I write at least three times, checking facts, spelling, context, before I press the send paper airplane icon (I also use my laptop for all postings, to avoid mistakes as much as possible).

Pick any of my writings from, say 2001, dump it in AI, it will tell you it was AI-written. This was before the Generative version of AI became commodified social conversations. Thus, in an academic writing AI will not flag my writing. But it might in social media posting because the AI checker will expect a loose, public-oriented syntax. Look for “human flags” in all my writings. In the post in question, the flag is: “Remove the cloth—and we revert back to our animal origins. Our shame exposed, because we are now aware.” No AI will write that because it is a human thought, expressed by a human. In fact, it even tells you that the human is religious—invoking religious imagery to make a point. AI is religiously, spiritually and politically neutral—except Grok!

The passage refers to the awareness Prophet Adam (AS) of his nakedness after eating the Forbidden Fruit in Paradise. The leaf he used to cover himself is now the clothe the picture glorifies—the civilizational tool which separates us from animals that are naked. That is religious philosophy. No AI can come up with this insight.

So, do I use AI?  Referring of course to Generative AI. Of course! In 2026 any person NOT using AI is in serious trouble in the global knowledge economy, in any sphere. I use the paid version which gives me more features (I will not tell you which AI I use so as not to advertise free for them!).

If I am asked to write a chapter for a book or a journal article, I never use AI for the main prose. I use it only to gather titles of reference materials (and I then fly to the Acibilistan Central Library, using Acibilisian Airways, to borrow copies), and I doubly verify the references are real, not AI-hallucination (I have caught it on one or two occasion, and I “warn” it never to give me what it thinks I want; only what is real). But the prose is mine. Funnily enough, even the AI I used is quietly impressed with the titles of my projects—go over my past publications and you will what I mean—and this was before the Generative AI revolution.

I don’t even use it for my lectures. I may ask for lecture outline—and promptly decline any offer of writing the lecture notes. The reason is that all my lectures are based on my ethnographic field experiences—with actual examples of videos, photos, or experiences shared with my students at all levels.

Other cases where I allow AI to draft something for me might be where I am asked on a short notice to be a keynote speaker. But give me weeks’ notice in advance, I cook my own meal.  Or write reference for someone. When it produces the draft, I go over it and input personal touches. (it will write, “he is a hard worker”, I will write, “he is an excellent co-worker and sociable person whom I have known for over ten years”).

One ongoing case where I use the AI is in editing my autobiography, and I find it tremendously useful at that. I have written more than 90% of the book, given it to human editors to correct, mainly article misplacement, grammar etc. Once I subscribed to the paid version of my AI, I send it the previous chapters (which, unwisely, were written in Third Person, but that’s a story for another day). It converted everything to the First Person POV I asked it to. Then it smoothened sentences, polished passages, but, and I warned it right from the beginning, did not add anything. I always use it in editorial mode. Save me lots of money from human editors (and time chasing them for return)! It has an often irritating tendency to lead you to a rabbit hole, but I always claw my way out of it. So, my Prompts tell it to be Editorial, not Authorial. It is a nice relationship that keeps the integrity of my words, and saves me a lot of money in paying human editors to edit the work.

I am happy that people are beginning to notice the increasing rise—and use— of Generative AI, even trying to pinpoint it. This is good. Equally happy that some AI tools are capable of answering Prompts in the Hausa language—thus opening up the Hausaphone world to the global knowledge economy.

Now, I ask you. Do you use Generative AI? In what ways. Are you happy with it, or do you feel you are surrendering your intellect to a machine? Or are you Die Mensch-Maschine (ask your AI to translate that!)?

Abdalla Uba Adamu
Department of Information and Media Studies
Faculty of Communication
Bayero University Kano
March 10, 2026