Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has called for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and stronger commitment to digital integrity as the world grapples with the challenges of information disorder.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, has called for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and stronger commitment to digital integrity as the world grapples with the challenges of information disorder.
Peters made the call while welcoming participants to a symposium hosted by NOUN to mark the 2025 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, held on Thursday at the NOUN Conference Centre, Abuja.
The event, themed “Promoting AI Adoption and Gratification through Media and Information Literacy,” aligned with the global theme “Minds Over AI.”
Professor Peters said NOUN’s hosting of the symposium underscored Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing inclusive and equitable access to media and information literacy education across Africa.
“We see this not merely as an institutional honour but as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in advancing media and information literacy — in Africa and beyond,” he said.
He explained that while AI has become central to human life, it also raises ethical and social questions requiring proactive learning and digital awareness.
Highlighting NOUN’s leadership in promoting responsible digital learning, Peters disclosed that the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), hosted by the university under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is now in advanced stages of attaining UNESCO Category 2 status.
He said the milestone “signals that Africa is ready to lead, innovate, and shape the global dialogue on ethical AI and the future of learning.”
Declaring the symposium open, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to responsible communication and digital literacy.
The Ministry of Information and National Orientation remains steadfast in promoting media and information environments that encourage truth, transparency, creativity, and national unity.
“The Ministry of Information and National Orientation remains steadfast in promoting media and information environments that encourage truth, transparency, creativity, and national unity.
“Through collaboration with UNESCO, IMILI, and other partners, we continue to advance initiatives that enhance media literacy, counter misinformation, and encourage Nigerians to leverage digital tools for social and economic advancement,” Idris said.
UNESCO’s Country Representative, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, represented by Ms. Yachat Nuhu, stressed that media and information literacy must evolve to address challenges such as misinformation and deepfake technology.
Acting IMILI Director, Dr. Lateef Adelakun, said the rise of AI adoption makes digital literacy more critical than ever.
The symposium, attended by scholars, policymakers, and media stakeholders, was part of global activities marking the 2025 Global Media and Information Literacy Week held in Abuja.