Artificial Intelligence

By Amir Femoh

The world is entering a new technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of its most decisive battlegrounds. Nations are competing to develop powerful AI models, build advanced computing infrastructure, manufacture sophisticated hardware and secure dominance over the technologies that will shape the future of humanity. Unfortunately, much of the Muslim world appears to be watching this revolution from the sidelines.

But what if one of the most powerful instruments for financing this technological transformation is already embedded in our intellectual and civilisational heritage? What if an institution that helped build and sustain Muslim societies for centuries could once again become a vehicle for securing our place in the future?

That institution is Waqf.

In Islamic jurisprudence, Waqf is generally defined as the permanent dedication of an asset, with the principal preserved while its benefits or proceeds are directed toward designated charitable, religious, educational, or public purposes. It is an enduring form of philanthropy designed to generate benefits across generations.

Although the Qur’an does not explicitly mention Waqf in the same way as Zakah and Sadaqah, its foundations are firmly rooted in the Prophetic tradition and the practices of the early Muslim community. One celebrated example is Umar ibn al-Khattab’s endowment of land at Khaybar, following the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) advice to preserve the asset and distribute its benefits for charitable purposes.

From the days of Madinah, Waqf gradually evolved into one of the most influential financial and social institutions in Islamic civilisation. Under the Umayyad Empire, administrative structures emerged to supervise charitable endowments. The Abbasid period witnessed further institutional development, with Waqf supporting education, healthcare, religious institutions and public infrastructure. Its influence expanded considerably under the Ottoman Empire, where endowed properties and cash Waqf helped sustain schools, hospitals, libraries, water systems, public kitchens and other essential services.

Its historical significance was not restricted to the Arab world or the Middle East. Across Africa, Islamic scholarship, commerce and public institutions flourished in societies such as Timbuktu, the Borno Empire and the Sokoto Caliphate. Endowments, charitable giving and forms of institutional patronage helped sustain religious learning, scholarship and community welfare. These traditions show that Islamic endowment culture was not confined to one geography but was part of a much wider Muslim civilisational experience.

One important lesson emerges from this history: Waqf enabled societies to mobilise private wealth for public purposes without placing every responsibility on the government treasury.

By financing educational institutions, healthcare facilities, water infrastructure, and other social services through dedicated endowments, governments and political authorities could devote more attention and resources to security, administration, economic expansion, and the long-term prosperity of their territories. Waqf was not a complete substitute for public finance, but it provided an important complementary financial architecture.

This is precisely where the Muslim world must begin thinking differently about the AI revolution.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and individual Muslim nations must recognise that AI is no longer simply another technological innovation. It is increasingly connected to national security, economic productivity, scientific discovery, military capabilities, financial systems and geopolitical influence. Countries that fail to develop indigenous capabilities may become permanently dependent on foreign technologies, foreign infrastructure and foreign intellectual property.

Governments already struggling with competing demands on limited public resources cannot be expected to finance every dimension of this technological transformation alone.

This is where a modern Waqf movement could make an extraordinary difference.

Imagine establishing specialised AI Waqf institutions across the Muslim world. Imagine wealthy Muslim entrepreneurs, technology investors and high-net-worth individuals dedicating substantial portions of their wealth to permanent endowment funds specifically designed to finance artificial intelligence research and development.

Such funds could support university laboratories, AI research centres, semiconductor research, robotics, advanced computing infrastructure, machine learning, cybersecurity and the development of indigenous large language models.

They could also finance the design, prototyping and mass production of powerful AI hardware and software. Rather than depending exclusively on government grants or foreign venture capital, promising Muslim researchers and entrepreneurs would have access to patient, long-term capital dedicated to scientific advancement.

The investment returns from carefully managed Waqf assets could continually replenish these research funds, making them sustainable across generations.

Of course, such an ambitious undertaking would require professional management, independent oversight, transparency, competent investment strategies and clearly defined research objectives. Waqf institutions must not become another avenue for corruption, political interference or the mismanagement of public-minded wealth.

But there is another equally important dimension to this conversation: intellectual confidence.

The young Muslim scientist, engineer or researcher who benefits from such a fund must understand that he or she is not beginning this journey in a historical vacuum.

Long before the emergence of modern artificial intelligence, Muslim scholars made remarkable contributions to mathematics, algorithms, cryptography, optics and experimental scientific inquiry. Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi’s mathematical writings helped establish the intellectual foundations of algebra and the algorithmic tradition. Al-Kindi made important contributions to cryptanalysis, while Ibn al-Haytham transformed the study of optics through observation, experimentation and rigorous investigation.

These contributions belong to a wider scientific heritage that helped shape the intellectual foundations upon which modern science and computing eventually developed.

Our responsibility is not merely to celebrate these historical achievements. It is to build upon them.

We cannot keep producing conferences celebrating Muslim scientific achievements of a thousand years ago while neglecting the laboratories, computing facilities, research endowments, and industrial capabilities needed to produce the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow.

The urgency is particularly significant for countries such as Nigeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These nations possess substantial human capital, large populations, vibrant young communities and considerable intellectual potential. Yet their technological ambitions remain constrained by inadequate research financing, infrastructure deficits and dependence on imported technology.

They must not allow their economic challenges to become an excuse for technological surrender.

Indeed, the so-called bottom-billion Muslim nations should be among the first to embrace a modern Waqf-driven scientific financing revolution. Their governments, wealthy citizens, Islamic financial institutions, universities and business communities must begin working together to establish dedicated national AI Waqf funds.

The Muslim world does not necessarily need to outspend every major global power. But it must invest intelligently, strategically and consistently in the capabilities that matter.

The question is no longer whether Muslims can afford to participate in the AI race. The question is whether we can afford not to.

Our ancestors used Waqf to build institutions that outlived kings, dynasties and empires. Today’s generation must show the same foresight by using it to build institutions that can shape the technological future.

The next great Muslim civilisation will not be built by nostalgia alone. It will be built through knowledge, capital, institutions, scientific courage and a willingness to invest in generations yet unborn.

Perhaps the next great Waqf should not only build a mosque, a hospital or a university. Perhaps it should build an AI laboratory that changes the future of governance in the Muslim world.

Amir Femoh is a teacher, administrator, and tech entrepreneur. He can be contacted at amirfemoh@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A South African author who has published more than 370 books in about 20 months using artificial intelligence (AI) has defended her writing process amid growing criticism of AI-generated literature.

Coral Hart, a pseudonym adopted to protect her real identity, said she had received tens of thousands of hostile messages and several death threats over her use of AI in producing books.

The author, who is in her 40s, has become a prominent figure in the debate over the role of artificial intelligence in the publishing industry.

Speaking in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Hart said she decided to speak publicly about her methods because she believes the technology is becoming an established part of publishing and cannot simply be dismissed.

“I chose to be the one to step up and say, these are conversations we need to start having,” she said. “This is here… They’re not going to switch it off or unplug it because a bunch of authors said so.”

Hart had worked in publishing for 14 years before she began using AI to write books around February 2025. She said she had also written several dozen works without the technology.

According to the author, she spent three months learning how to work with different AI models and developing a system capable of generating books based on detailed instructions.

Her process involves creating the story concept, defining the writing style, developing characters and preparing chapter outlines before using AI to generate the manuscript.

She said advances in AI had significantly improved the process, allowing her to move from generating individual paragraphs through repeated prompts to producing an entire book draft in one sequence.

Hart uses different AI models for different tasks, arguing that each has particular strengths and weaknesses in areas such as dialogue, prose, story structure and explicit romantic scenes.

She also acknowledged that AI-generated first drafts often require substantial editing.

Her manuscripts go through further AI-assisted reviews to address continuity problems, incomplete character development, dropped plotlines and weaknesses in the story. A human proofreader then reviews the text, corrects remaining issues and makes additional changes where necessary.

Millions of books sold

Hart said she had published 371 titles, many of them romance novels, and estimated that she had sold more than one million copies across digital, print and audio formats.

She also claimed to have earned more than US$1 million in 2026 so far. One of her novels reportedly reached Amazon’s top 100 bestsellers, although she said many of her titles were developed for specific readerships through extensive market research.

Beyond her own publishing activities, Hart said she had trained several hundred people in her approach and was preparing to launch Authorythm, software designed for authors who use AI.

Despite the controversy, she said she generally discloses her use of AI only when required by a publishing or sales platform.

Hart said she had published under more than 10 other pen names and questioned why her creative process had attracted so much attention now, after years of working in publishing.

Debate over AI-generated literature

Critics have accused Hart of contributing to what is commonly described as “AI slop” — a term used for large volumes of AI-generated content considered low-quality or lacking originality.

However, she argued that commercial performance and readers’ responses should also be considered when assessing the quality of a book.

“Books are selling,” she said, adding that readers who find books unsatisfactory can return them.

The debate has intensified as publishers and literary institutions grapple with questions about originality, authorship, disclosure and the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in creative work.

Hart also referred to the controversy surrounding a novel by Haitian-Canadian writer Thelyson Orelien, which was withdrawn from the shortlist for France’s prestigious Goncourt Prize following allegations of AI use. According to the report, the author’s publisher confirmed the use of AI on October 21, 2026.

Hart questioned whether some readers rejected works because of their actual quality or because they knew AI had been involved in producing them.

“If you need an AI label to hate something, do you hate it, or do you hate AI?” she asked.

Her case highlights a growing divide in the publishing world between those who view AI as a useful writing and editing tool and those concerned about its potential effects on literary originality, professional authors and the value of human creativity.

As AI tools become more capable, the debate is likely to centre increasingly on transparency, editorial responsibility and how readers and publishers define authorship in an industry undergoing rapid technological change.

The Daily Reality

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A highly anticipated publishing deal worth more than $2 million for Nigerian author Jerry Falade has collapsed after allegations that artificial intelligence (AI) may have been used in the creation of his debut crime novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body.

The manuscript had attracted intense interest from publishers, with a 14-way bidding contest reportedly leading to a multimillion-dollar offer from a major U.S. publisher. However, Falade’s literary agents withdrew the novel after stating they could no longer verify that the manuscript had been written without AI assistance.

Falade has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he wrote the novel himself. He has also argued that the accusations reflect racial bias within the publishing industry, claiming that Black authors face greater scrutiny over AI use than their white counterparts.

The controversy has sparked fresh debate about the growing role of AI in creative writing and the challenges publishers face in verifying the originality of manuscripts. It also highlights increasing concerns within the global publishing industry over authorship, copyright, and the ethical use of generative AI.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

China has removed or suspended more than 12,000 university degree programs as part of a sweeping reform aimed at aligning higher education with the country’s economic and technological priorities.

According to data from China’s Ministry of Education, universities revoked or suspended about 12,200 undergraduate programs between 2021 and 2025 while introducing roughly 10,200 new ones. The changes affected more than 30 per cent of university programs nationwide. The cuts were concentrated in arts, humanities, foreign languages, and management-related disciplines.

Programs such as English literature, product design, and public administration were among those affected as universities reviewed courses deemed obsolete or less closely aligned with current labour-market needs.

The reforms come as China seeks to address a graduate employment challenge and strengthen its position in advanced technology industries. Officials and university administrators have increasingly emphasised programs that are seen as supporting national development goals and emerging sectors.

To replace the discontinued programs, universities introduced thousands of new degree offerings focused on advanced technologies and strategic industries. New majors include embodied intelligence, semiconductor engineering, and brain-computer interface technologies, among other fields linked to artificial intelligence and high-tech manufacturing.

The overhaul reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting innovation, technological self-reliance, and long-term economic growth. Supporters argue the reforms will improve graduate employability, while critics warn that reducing opportunities in the humanities could weaken intellectual diversity and critical inquiry within universities.

As China continues to reshape its higher education system, the reforms are likely to attract close attention from policymakers and educators around the world who are grappling with similar questions about the future of work and the role of universities in a technology-driven economy.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

A media and journalism scholar from Cairo University, Egypt, Prof. Fatma El-Sayed, has described artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force capable of turning the media from a passive observer into an active engine of civic engagement and national development.

Prof. El-Sayed stated this while delivering the pre-conference lecture at the opening of the First International Conference organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The conference, themed “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” was held on Sunday at the Emir Zayyanu Auditorium on the university’s main campus.

Speaking on the opportunities AI presents for Africa, Prof. El-Sayed described the technology as a “leapfrog engine” for development. She identified three major areas in which AI can accelerate progress: overcoming language barriers, enabling communication through voice and video for populations with low literacy levels, and facilitating low-cost, automated content production.

She argued that AI should be viewed as a critical infrastructure requirement rather than merely a technological tool, stressing the need for stable electricity, reliable internet connectivity, and data sovereignty across the continent.

According to her, the ongoing global technological shift has altered traditional development pathways, and she notes that “the old rules of development no longer apply” because AI provides a structural shortcut to economic and social advancement.

Prof. El-Sayed further emphasised the importance of African ownership of the continent’s digital future, asserting that “the future of AI in Africa should be theorised by Africans.”

She urged governments, educational institutions, and media organisations to harness AI responsibly by improving efficiency, reclaiming African narratives, strengthening data governance frameworks, investing in indigenous data resources, promoting equitable international partnerships, developing ethical AI-focused media curricula, and expanding AI literacy among citizens.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Umar Jibrin Gwandu, welcomed participants and highlighted the department’s growth and achievements since its establishment.

Dr Gwandu said the conference was designed to prepare future media professionals for the rapidly evolving digital environment and the increasing integration of AI into media and communication practice.

“AI has come to stay, and we must learn to use it as a tool for development, not deception,” he said.

The event attracted media and communication scholars, industry practitioners, students, and other stakeholders from within and outside the university.

Established in 2019, the Department of Mass Communication at UDUS is committed to training professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s media and communication industry. The department has so far graduated two sets of students.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

The Department of Mass Communication at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), is finalising preparations to host its maiden international conference, a landmark event slated to hold from June 7 to June 10, 2026.

With the theme “Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” the four-day gathering promises to bring together scholars, media practitioners, and policymakers from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to a statement issued by Dr Danladi Bako, Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, a distinguished personality will chair the event: Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, former President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Dr Bako further explained that the conference will kick off on June 7 with a pre‑conference lecture to be delivered by Prof. Fatma El‑Sayed of Cairo University, Egypt, at 1:00 p.m.

The main conference will be officially declared open on June 8 at the university auditorium by the Chief Host and Vice‑Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Bashir Garba.

Expressing the university’s readiness to welcome the international academic community, Prof. Garba said: “We are fully prepared to welcome the international academic community.”

The opening ceremony will also be graced by the Pro‑Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Professor Attahiru Jega, alongside other members of the Governing Council.

The highlight of the conference will be the keynote lecture delivered by Professor Kehbuma Langmia, a double Fulbright Scholar from Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA.

The conference will critically examine the role of the media and its intersection with artificial intelligence in an increasingly digital world. Some of the sub-themes include: AI & Media Policy, AI for Security & Information Disorder, AI in Rural Communities, AI in Political Communication & Good Governance, AI & National Security, AI & Investigative Journalism, and more.

Dr Bako’s statement noted: “The conference theme, ‘Media and National Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,’ will provide a platform for robust intellectual discussions among lead paper presenters, panellists, academics from various universities, and other stakeholders across Nigeria.”

In a significant academic milestone, the Department of Mass Communication will also unveil the maiden edition of its academic journal, Alkalami: Journal of Communication.

Journalists, media practitioners, public relations and information officers, content creators, and Mass Communication/Journalism students are strongly encouraged to attend and actively participate in this upcoming event.

“The four‑day conference promises to be memorable and rewarding for participants, visitors, and the academic community at large,” Dr Bako assured.

He added that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the event’s success.

The Department of Mass Communication at UDUS was established in 2019 with a focus on producing media and communication graduates who can contribute their quota to the media and communication industry nationwide.

By Ismail Bello Darazo 

The technological landscape is rapidly evolving, changing how we live and work. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) presents numerous opportunities, particularly when it is fully explored and effectively utilised. 

AI can simplify complex concepts and deliver more concise, efficient solutions. Its growing application across various aspects of life continues to enhance convenience and productivity in everyday activities.

However, the core objective of AI development is to support and simplify human efforts, not to replace human intelligence. In practice, the way AI is used is gradually shifting from collaboration to dependence.

AI is now deeply embedded in our daily routines, often substituting rather than complementing our cognitive abilities. It is increasingly common to observe individuals who struggle to articulate even simple communications, such as WhatsApp group messages, without relying on AI tools. Likewise, some managers no longer trust their own analytical capabilities for basic business decision-making, preferring instead to depend on AI-generated outputs.

One of the most significant consequences of this overreliance is the gradual erosion of human cognitive capacity. When individuals consistently delegate thinking and decision-making to AI systems, they risk weakening their natural abilities to reason, analyse, and make sound judgments. Over time, this dependency can reduce confidence in independent thinking and limit the development of critical problem-solving skills.

Hybrid intelligence systems, which integrate human expertise with artificial intelligence, are increasingly recognized as essential for addressing complex and multifaceted challenges. By combining human intuition, ethical reasoning, and contextual awareness with the computational strength of AI, more balanced and effective outcomes can be achieved.

However, placing AI at the forefront without adequate human oversight may lead to inhuman or ethically flawed decisions, as AI systems remain limited in their ability to fully replicate human judgment, values, and nuanced understanding.

In conclusion, AI, as a defining technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is here to stay. The responsibility lies with us to utilise and fully explore its potential without undermining our natural cognitive abilities. 

Rather than allowing AI to dominate human processes, it should be positioned as a centre of collaboration where human intelligence and machine capabilities complement each other to produce more balanced and effective outcomes. In this context, AI is not a replacement for human thinking, but a strategic partner that enhances our capacity to reason, make informed decisions, and drive innovation.

Ismail Bello Darazo wrote from Bauchi State via Ismailbello054@gmail.com.

By Aminu Babayo Shehu

Nigeria is entering a period where technology is no longer optional for national development. Around the world, countries that once depended on natural resources are rapidly transforming their economies through innovation, high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-driven industries. Nigeria’s long-term plan, Nigeria Agenda 2050, recognises this reality. One of its key policy directions is to accelerate technology development across all sectors to increase the production of high-technology products. This policy is not simply aspirational. It is urgent, practical and necessary for economic survival.

For decades, crude oil has dominated Nigeria’s revenue base. Yet oil is a finite resource, prone to global price shocks and increasingly less attractive as the world shifts to renewable energy. Technology products, on the other hand, are expanding at a scale that dwarfs resource-based industries. The global tech market is projected to exceed $10 trillion over the next decade. Nations that embrace high-tech production are generating new wealth, attracting investment, and creating jobs at a pace unimaginable under traditional economies.

Countries such as South Korea, Singapore, India, and China were once struggling nations with limited natural resources. South Korea transformed from poverty to a top global economy by investing in electronics, telecommunications, robotics and semiconductors. Today, companies like Samsung contribute more to South Korea’s GDP than the entire oil sector contributes to Nigeria.

China shifted from low-wage manufacturing to high-tech dominance in areas such as electric vehicles, drones, AI, and telecommunications. Its tech exports now reshape global markets. India invested heavily in its tech talent, building the world’s largest IT outsourcing industry and becoming a leading hub for software engineering, fintech, and space technology. These countries show that consistent investment in research, innovation, and human capital produces national transformation.

Nigeria has the potential to make similar progress, but time is not on our side. The world will not wait for us. If we continue to rely on crude oil as our primary revenue source, we will fall even further behind. Our young population, one of the largest in Africa, is an asset only if it is empowered with digital skills, research opportunities, and innovative platforms. Otherwise, it becomes a liability.

High-technology production can reshape Nigeria’s economy in several ways. First, it will diversify national revenue and reduce the need for excessive borrowing. Countries with strong technology sectors generate significant income from intellectual property, digital services, hardware production, and global tech partnerships. Nigeria can do the same by promoting local manufacturing of electronics, renewable energy components, agri-tech equipment, medical devices, cybersecurity solutions, and AI-powered tools.

Second, investment in technology drives innovation across all sectors. Agriculture can be transformed through agri-drones, smart irrigation and data-driven farm management. Healthcare can be strengthened through telemedicine, diagnostic tools and biotechnology research. Security agencies can rely on surveillance drones, satellite imaging and digital intelligence rather than outdated methods. Education can be improved through digital learning platforms, simulation labs and computing infrastructure. These are the kinds of advancements that lift entire nations.

Third, high-tech development creates high-quality jobs. Instead of exporting raw materials, Nigeria can export advanced products and services. Instead of depending on foreign technology, we can build our own solutions. Instead of losing talented youth to migration, we can build an economy that retains and rewards them.

However, none of this will happen by accident. Nigeria must deliberately invest in research and development, strengthen universities and technical institutions, build innovation hubs, support local manufacturing, and fund STEM programs from primary school through postgraduate level. Policies must be consistent, leadership must be committed, and institutions must have the resources needed to produce world-class results.

If Nigeria takes the Nigeria Agenda 2050 technology policy seriously, we can transition from a raw-material exporter to a high-tech producer within a generation. But if we continue to postpone action, the cost will be grave. Nations that invest early in technology win the future. Nations that delay are left behind.

Nigeria has the talent, the population and the potential. What we need now is the political will and the investment to match our ambition. High-technology production is not just an economic option. It is the pathway to sovereignty, prosperity and long-term stability.

Aminu Babayo Shehu is a Software Engineer, Mobile Developer, and Technology Advocate. He can be reached at absheikhone@gmail.com.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Technology has always been transformative, easing burdens, accelerating processes, and reducing the burden of human effort. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. 

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), AI is projected to add $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, representing 3.5% of global GDP. Small wonder nations are scrambling to embrace its promise, racing to uncover new applications and transformative capabilities across industries.

AI has simplified nearly everything, from routine office work to academic research. Yet, it embodies the very phrase “double-edged sword”. Like every innovation before it, it carries both promise and peril. Social media once dazzled with its vast resources for learning, but soon revealed its darker influence, with studies linking its overuse to declining academic performance. 

Could AI be following the same path? The questions now hang heavy: What is the result of excessive reliance on AI in journalism and communication? What happens to our collective intellect when we let machines think for us? Will AI make man redundant, or will it sharpen our creativity?

Already, teachers in secondary schools and universities lament students’ overdependence on AI. Before this wave, young learners combed through pages of books and libraries, piecing together assignments and research with sweat and patience. 

That very process gave them a broader horizon of knowledge. Now, the temptation is to let AI provide shortcuts. Is it truly an aid or a crutch? For journalism, the stakes are even higher. AI now creates deepfakes, fabricates news, disseminates disinformation, and facilitates copyright theft at an alarming rate. 

Fake content often passes for truth, staining reputations and distracting journalists from developmental reporting as they are forced instead into endless fact-checking.

Yes, using AI to polish grammar, punctuation, and spelling is helpful. But handing over the soul of reporting—the storytelling itself—to machines erodes accuracy, credibility, and that irreplaceable human touch. Readers can sense when a piece lacks heartbeat. 

Journalism, at its core, thrives on ethics, context, and empathy. AI cannot carry those values. The danger is clear: unchecked dependence on AI undermines the profession of communication. Anyone can now generate a passable article and publish it online, blurring the line between trained journalists and casual content creators. 

The profession risks losing its gatekeeping role if carelessly diluted. So, what does the future hold? Are we surrendering decades of built expertise to algorithms? Will there be a conscious regulation of AI use? How far are we willing to go to defend the integrity of journalism?

What is certain is that AI brings challenges but also opportunities. With discipline, ethical restraint, and wisdom, journalists can harness AI for richer storytelling without compromising their responsibility to the truth. 

The future of journalism in the AI era depends not on machines, but on the choices of those who hold the pen.

Rabi Ummi Umar can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

When most people hear the phrase “Artificial Intelligence” (AI), their minds often drift toward futuristic fantasies: robots that think like humans, machines plotting to overthrow their creators, or computers smarter than their inventors. Science fiction has fed us these images for decades. Yet, beyond Hollywood thrillers, AI is already here, quietly shaping the world around us. It answers customer queries through chatbots, selects the next movie you’ll watch on Netflix, predicts what story appears at the top of your newsfeed, and even decides whether a bank approves your loan.

But this growing presence of AI in our daily lives forces us to confront a pressing question: how intelligent is artificial intelligence?

The honest answer is that AI is not a brain. It is not some mystical creation that understands, feels, or reasons like humans do. What appears to be “thinking” in AI is essentially mathematics—machines processing massive datasets, detecting patterns, and making predictions based on those patterns. Take medicine, for instance. AI can analyse thousands of X-rays or MRI scans in minutes, flagging possible signs of disease with astonishing speed. Yet, it does not comprehend illness, nor does it share in the burden of delivering a life-changing diagnosis. It only “sees” shapes, signals, and recurring features in data.

This distinction raises a critical debate: Is AI genuinely intelligent, or is it just an extraordinary mimic?

Human intelligence is not simply about solving problems or recalling information. It is a rich blend of memory, imagination, intuition, creativity, and moral reasoning. It includes the ability to feel empathy, wrestle with ethical dilemmas, or create art that expresses the soul. AI has none of these. It has no emotions, no conscience, no instinct for right and wrong. When it generates a song, writes an essay, or navigates a self-driving car, it is not exercising creativity or judgment. It is reproducing patterns learned from the data it has been trained on.

Yet, to dismiss AI as a hollow imitation would be unfair. Its capabilities, in specific domains, far exceed human performance. Banks now rely heavily on AI systems to monitor millions of transactions, detecting fraud almost instantly —a feat that no team of human auditors could achieve at the same scale. In agriculture, AI-driven weather forecasts and soil sensors enable farmers to predict rainfall, manage crops effectively, and enhance food security. In education, adaptive learning platforms can tailor lessons to meet each student’s unique learning style, giving teachers powerful tools to reach struggling learners. These are not gimmicks; they are reshaping how we live, work, and think.

Still, with such benefits come significant dangers. The real problem arises when society overestimates AI’s intelligence, attributing to it a wisdom it does not possess. Algorithms are only as good as the data they consume, and data is often flawed. Recruitment systems trained on biased records have been caught replicating discrimination, silently excluding qualified women or minorities. Predictive policing tools fed with skewed crime statistics risk unfairly targeting entire communities, reinforcing cycles of distrust and marginalisation.

Even more worrying is the human temptation to outsource too much decision-making to machines. When schools, governments, or businesses heavily rely on AI, they risk eroding human capacity for critical thinking. Societies that allow machines to make moral or civic decisions run the risk of dulling their own judgment, a peril that no amount of computing power can rectify.

This is why interrogating the “intelligence” of AI is not just an academic exercise; it is a civic responsibility. Policymakers must move beyond lip service and regulate how AI is designed and deployed, ensuring that it serves the public good rather than private profit alone. Technology companies must become more transparent about how their algorithms operate, particularly when these systems impact jobs, justice, and access to essential services. Citizens, too, have a role to play. Digital literacy must become as fundamental as reading and writing, empowering people to understand what AI can and, crucially, what it cannot do.

Ultimately, the irony of AI is this: the real intelligence lies not inside the machine but in the humans who create, guide, and govern it. AI can calculate faster than any brain, but it cannot care about the consequences of those calculations. It can analyse data at lightning speed, but it cannot empathise with the human beings behind the numbers. That is the dividing line between computation and compassion, between efficiency and wisdom.

If we maintain this distinction, AI will remain a powerful tool that amplifies human potential, rather than one that diminishes it. The smartest move is to resist the illusion that machines are thinking entities and instead recognise them for what they are: products of human ingenuity, useful only to the extent that we wield them responsibly.

Ultimately, the future of AI will not be dictated by algorithms, but by people. The question is not whether AI can become truly intelligent; it cannot. The real question is whether humans will remain wise enough to use it well.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu writes on disaster management, humanitarian response, and national development.