In a move that reflects both innovation and a deep understanding of evolving threats to national cohesion, the Sokoto State Government has embarked on a novel initiative to equip religious clerics with the digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) awareness needed to combat misinformation and foster unity.
At a two-day workshop themed “Combating False Narratives and Promoting Media Literacy”, held in Sokoto this week, Bashar Umar Kwabo, the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, delivered a stark message to Nigeria’s religious leaders: the age of misinformation weaponised by AI is here — and clerics must not be left behind.
“Nigeria’s highly polarised social media space has increasingly been weaponised to pit communities against one another,” Mr Kwabo told participants, underscoring the sophistication of contemporary disinformation that now includes deepfake videos, manipulated audio clips and AI-generated imagery capable of deceiving even seasoned observers.
AI is not the future — it’s already here.
Advances in machine learning have made it easier and cheaper to produce highly convincing fake content. In recent years, AI-generated deepfakes have been linked to viral misinformation campaigns worldwide, and experts warn that such technologies could significantly undermine democratic discourse and social harmony if left unchecked.
Although Nigeria has not released official national statistics on the number of AI-related misinformation incidents, digital rights advocates and tech analysts have highlighted a steep rise in manipulated media on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X — platforms that are particularly influential in Nigeria’s information ecosystem.
Clerics as frontline influencers
The Sokoto initiative recognises the enduring influence of religious figures in Nigerian society, particularly in the North. In many communities, clerics remain among the most trusted voices — their sermons and guidance often carrying more weight than political elites or media personalities.
“Our clerics have an audience that even journalists sometimes do not have,” Mr Kwabo remarked. “What they say is often accepted and acted upon. By training them, we are training the trainers, and that is how we reach the grassroots effectively.”
The workshop drew Islamic scholars from across Sokoto State and neighbouring Niger Republic, reflecting a regional approach to tackling misinformation. Topics included identifying misinformation, understanding how AI tools can be abused to fabricate content, and promoting responsible communication among congregations.
A broader digital strategy
This initiative aligns with wider efforts by both state and federal authorities to integrate digital literacy into national development policy. In May 2025, the Sokoto Government established the Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Advisory Council, described by state officials as the first of its kind on the continent, to spearhead AI and emerging technology adoption across sectors such as education, healthcare and governance.
At the national level, Nigeria’s Digital Nigeria International Conference held in Abuja in late 2025 underscored the growing role of AI in the country’s digital economy strategy, bringing together innovators, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.
In parallel, federal initiatives such as the AI Government Campus, supported by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with global technology partners, have focused on training public servants in responsible AI adoption — reinforcing the view that AI literacy is becoming central to effective governance.
Voices from the pulpit
Addressing the gathering in Sokoto, Associate Professor Jabir Mai Hula, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, described the programme as critical to “countering false narratives, improving media literacy and de-radicalising harmful interpretations through education and engagement.”
He emphasised that clerics who are grounded in both religious knowledge and contemporary digital realities are better positioned to guide their communities responsibly. In an era where a misleading audio clip can ignite tension within hours, this fusion of moral authority and digital awareness is increasingly seen as essential.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite widespread praise for its foresight, the initiative faces clear challenges. Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, uneven internet access and varying levels of digital exposure mean that AI literacy efforts must be inclusive and locally adapted. Furthermore, combating misinformation goes beyond detection tools, requiring critical thinking and responsible communication — a task that extends well beyond religious institutions.
Nevertheless, Sokoto’s approach offers a compelling model: positioning clerics not as passive victims of misinformation, but as active partners in building digital resilience. As AI technologies continue to evolve, empowering trusted community leaders with the skills to distinguish truth from fabrication may prove vital to safeguarding unity and social stability in Nigeria.
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