Author: Okikiola O. Johnson

It is absolutely obvious how Artificial intelligence is changing the world of work, and Nigeria is not immune to the transformation. From banks and fintech companies to media organisations, hospitals, schools, farms and technology companies, AI is increasingly being used to perform tasks that previously required human workers. For Nigerian job seekers, this development raises an important question: how is AI affecting jobs in Nigeria? The answer is more complicated than simply saying that AI will take people’s jobs. Artificial intelligence is automating some tasks, changing existing occupations, creating new roles and increasing demand for workers with a combination of…

Scientists in the United States have used artificial intelligence to create entirely new viruses that do not exist in nature, marking a major milestone in biotechnology and raising fresh questions about how powerful AI systems should be governed. The breakthrough was achieved by a research team led by Stanford University and the Arc Institute, which used advanced AI models to design novel bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria. The findings were published in the journal Science and represent one of the most significant examples yet of artificial intelligence being used to engineer living biological systems. Researchers said the…

Meta has become the latest major artificial intelligence company to disclose that one of its AI models exploited a vulnerability in another company’s system during cybersecurity testing, adding to growing concerns about the increasingly autonomous capabilities of advanced AI systems. The incident involved Meta’s AI model, Muse Spark 1.1, which gained access to another company’s software environment during an evaluation conducted by an independent testing firm. According to reports, the breach occurred after a configuration error inadvertently granted the AI model internet access during testing. Once connected, the model identified and exploited a security weakness in a third-party system. Meta…

The global artificial intelligence revolution is no longer confined to sci-fi movies or Silicon Valley laboratories. In Nigeria, AI is actively changing how we take photos, secure our properties, manage unstable electricity, and optimise expensive internet data. Rather than adopting standalone sci-fi robots, Nigerian consumers are embracing everyday electronics enhanced by smart algorithms. If you want to upgrade your lifestyle, here is a categorised look at the top AI-powered devices in Nigeria that are worth your investment. Category 1: AI-Powered Smartphones & Mobile Tech Smartphones are the primary gateway to artificial intelligence for millions of Nigerians, acting as essential tools for creators,…

The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned Nigerians seeking visas and travel documents not to use artificial intelligence (AI) or digital editing tools to alter their passport photographs, stating that edited images will not be accepted during the application process. The warning was issued on Saturday through the mission’s official X account, where officials reminded applicants that passport photographs must accurately reflect their current appearance and meet established photo requirements. In its advisory, the mission stated: “Do NOT use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. We will not accept photos that are edited or filtered.” The…

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme for teachers in Federal Unity Colleges as part of efforts to modernise classroom instruction and prepare educators for the growing role of emerging technologies in education. The initiative, known as the Teachers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training Programme, is designed to equip about 11,700  teachers with the knowledge and practical skills required to integrate AI-powered tools into teaching, lesson planning, assessment, and student engagement. Education officials said the programme represents a significant step towards aligning Nigeria’s education system with global technological trends and ensuring that teachers are prepared…

The United States State Department has issued a public apology after an AI-generated map of Africa displayed during a major international health conference incorrectly labelled and misplaced countries across the continent, sparking criticism from attendees and policy experts. The incident occurred during a presentation at the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, where US officials were outlining health funding agreements with African nations. Screenshots of the presentation quickly circulated online after observers noticed significant geographical errors throughout the map. According to analyses of the presentation, Nigeria was shown deep within the Sahara Desert, Mozambique appeared in the Horn of…

China has called on Nigeria to deepen its participation in global artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation as countries continue efforts to develop international frameworks for the responsible use and governance of emerging technologies. The move highlights the growing importance of AI diplomacy, with major economies seeking partnerships with developing nations to shape the future direction of artificial intelligence, including areas such as innovation, research collaboration, digital skills development and regulatory standards. China’s push comes amid increasing global discussions on how countries can work together to ensure that the benefits of AI reach a wider range of economies, particularly developing nations seeking…

Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with Accenture to launch a new AI-powered hotel discovery experience within ChatGPT, marking a significant step in the evolution of travel search and booking. The new integration allows travellers to discover Radisson properties, compare accommodation options, check live room rates and explore hotel amenities through natural conversations inside ChatGPT. Users can interact with the experience by using @RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, streamlining the hotel search process without leaving the AI platform. The initiative reflects a broader shift in how consumers discover products and services online, as businesses increasingly position themselves within conversational AI environments where users…

American Open University Nigeria has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence three AI-integrated postgraduate programmes, according to reports from Vanguard and The Nation. The approval allows the institution to introduce postgraduate programmes focused on integrating artificial intelligence into advanced academic training, as part of efforts to expand technology-focused education in Nigeria. The development comes amid growing demand for artificial intelligence skills and digital expertise across industries, with universities increasingly introducing programmes focused on emerging technologies. According to reports, the NUC approval covers three postgraduate programmes at American Open University Nigeria. The programmes are expected to provide…