Media Mentors Network Trains Journalists in Niger State on the Role of AI in Journalism
For two days, 8th and 9th September 2025, 37 participants, including journalists, information officers, presenters, and broadcasters in Minna, Niger State immersed themselves in the exploration, discovery, learning of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for improved journalism and media practice.
The training organised by the Media Mentors Network with the theme “The Role of AI in Journalism Practice,” had nine sessions with two group practical sessions.
Day One focused on AI for content creation, story ideation, writing, and editing, while Day Two covered fact-checking, transcription, research, images, videos, and ethics in AI use.
During the session of AI for content creation, brainstorming and ideation, participants practiced the use AI tools for generating headlines, different story angles, summaries and brainstorming on story ideas. In the AI for editing and writing session, the participants were taught on how to use AI tools for editing, paraphrasing, getting clarity from reports and refocusing their writings.
For AI for Image and video generation and editing, the participants were taught how to use AI tools for turning text to videos or images, editing images and videos and creating sharable contents from their reports, while in the AI for audio generation session, the participants were taken through various AI tools that can turn text to audio, transcribe and translate audio.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, group work, and discussions led by Justina Asishana, Coordinator of Media Mentors Network and Niger State Correspondent for The Nation Newspaper, and Maimuna Babangida, media trainer and communications specialist.
In her welcome address, the Coordinator, Media Mentors Network, Asishana said the workshop was necessary due to the way Journalism practice is evolving and the need for journalists to evolve with it to avoid being left behind. She stated that knowing about AI does not encourage them to use it to write their report as AI can only make them work effectively and efficiently.
Asishana said that there are various things that AI cannot do in journalism like going to the field to gather information and voices of the people, but AI can help them analyse what they got from the field and better story angles or ideas.
“This training is designed to demystify AI and show journalists that AI tools are not replacements, but powerful assistants that can help them work faster, smarter, and more creatively while maintaining accuracy and ethics.”
Participants thanked the facilitators and expressed excitement at learning how to use tools such as ChatGPT, QuillBot, Grammarly, InVID, Perplexity, and Canva, with many saying they felt more confident integrating AI into their work.
Sylvia Mkar said the training was an eye-opener on how AI can be a powerful ally in storytelling, research, fact checking, design and audience engagement.
“The workshop underscored the endless possibilities of AI and how it is necessary in today’s fast-paced media landscape. The future of journalism is not just digital but also intelligent.”
Valda Martins said, “ Today, I can proudly say I hold two certifications in investigative journalism and human rights defense and now a certificate of participation in AI for Journalism Practice with the Media Mentor Network.
“The two day workshop has truly enriched me and I am deeply grateful to Justina for a job well done and Mrs Maimina Babangida for facilitating with so much passion and to all my wonderful media minded co-participants.”
Fatima Mohammed said the training provided a profound opportunity to deepen understanding of AI applications across various sectors, as well as its implications for the media landscape.
“The AI workshop was a remarkable success, equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the media sector.”
Victoria Festus wrote, “ This workshop for me isn’t just about getting certified but it was about the power of information, and I realized using effective and efficient AI tools as a journalist is an extra plus. Honestly, I really explored during this course and yeah, you can call me a Certified AI journalist.”
Apart from token payment by participants, the training was also supported by Initiative for Social Development in Africa (ISODAF), Office of the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Print Media to the Niger state Governor and UPNEPA.
The Media Mentors Network plans to continue hosting similar training and mentorship opportunities to empower journalists in Niger State and beyond with digital skills for modern reporting.
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