Author: Ugochukwu Levi F

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining what sound can do. Once limited to pre-recorded music or static white noise, audio is now becoming adaptive, immersive, and responsive, able to change in real time to fit the listener’s environment, mood, and needs. Sound-Scape AI is at the forefront of this evolution, creating dynamic soundscapes that are transforming therapy, work, and virtual experiences. From personalised mental health support to productivity enhancement and immersive digital worlds, AI-generated sound is proving to be more than a novelty. It has become a functional tool that shapes human experience. 1. Transforming Therapeutic Experiences Personalised Sonic Therapy:…

Dufil Prima Foods, the iconic Nigerian food manufacturer behind household favourites like Indomie Instant Noodles, Power Oil and Minimie Chin Chin, has taken a bold step into the intersection of culture and technology with the launch of its AI-powered “Show Some Love to Mum” campaign, a creative digital engagement designed to strengthen and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Unveiled ahead of Mother’s Day 2026, the initiative blends artificial intelligence with Nigeria’s age-old tradition of praise poetry to generate personalised AI-powered “Oriki” poems that celebrate mothers in their own languages and cultural contexts. The campaign platform allows participants to upload details…

Microsoft has opened applications for the Elevate AI Developers Training Programme, an initiative designed to equip developers, students and technology professionals with practical skills in artificial intelligence and other emerging digital technologies. The programme is being organised in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and aims to help participants earn globally recognised technology certifications while building the competencies needed in the rapidly evolving digital economy. According to the organisers, the training will cover several technology areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity and business intelligence. Participants will also receive preparation for internationally recognised Microsoft certification examinations widely used by…

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) UK and District Society has urged accounting professionals to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in financial management. The call was made during the 13th ICAN UK and District Society Conference held in London, where industry leaders, accountants and policymakers discussed how digital tools are reshaping the accounting profession and the broader financial landscape. Speaking at the conference, ICAN President Haruna Nma Yahaya said artificial intelligence is already transforming the way financial professionals analyse data, detect anomalies and manage risk, but stressed that ethical judgement…

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has inducted 2,020 professionals as chartered bankers, urging the new members and the broader banking sector to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for innovation and enhanced financial services. The induction ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, was themed “Smarter Banking: The Power of AI in Accelerating Innovation in the Industry.” Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of the CIBN Council, described the event as a significant milestone for the new chartered bankers. He said they had joined “a distinguished community of banking professionals recognised for competence, integrity and commitment to…

According to the International Telecommunication Union, global AI adoption has grown by more than 270 per cent over the past four years, with political actors increasingly leveraging automated systems for messaging, data analysis and influence operations. As Nigeria approaches its 2027 general elections, these technological shifts present both opportunities and significant risks. Nigeria’s digital landscape makes the country particularly vulnerable to AI‑driven manipulation. With over 122 million active internet users and more than 38 million Nigerians relying on social media as a primary news source, online platforms have become central to political engagement. However, a 2023 report by the Centre…

The United Kingdom and South Africa have launched a landmark partnership to build an AI-powered Intelligent Observatory, aimed at making telescopes smarter, faster, and more autonomous in their search for cosmic phenomena. The initiative brings together the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) to develop advanced systems that combine artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data processing. The goal is to enable telescopes to self-monitor for technical issues, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and automatically detect events such as supernovae, variable stars, and near-Earth objects. “This partnership represents a major step forward in…

Microsoft Corp. is ramping up its efforts to expand the adoption of artificial intelligence across Africa, announcing plans to train 3 million people on its technology in 2026. The initiative comes as the company seeks to compete with China’s DeepSeek platform in the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. The Redmond, Washington-based company will deliver the training through partnerships with schools, universities, and other institutions, with a focus on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco. Microsoft has also joined forces with MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications operator, to bundle its Microsoft 365 suite and Copilot digital assistant for MTN’s 300 million…

Governments and private actors across the continent are increasingly leveraging AI-powered surveillance tools, ranging from facial recognition cameras to predictive policing algorithms, to address rising urban crime, terrorism threats, and border security challenges. While the promise of enhanced safety is compelling, the deployment of mass AI surveillance also raises profound concerns about the protection of citizens’ fundamental freedoms, including privacy, freedom of expression, and the right to due process. The Security Imperative African cities face growing security challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, informal settlements, and rising crime. Governments are increasingly turning to AI surveillance systems that analyse large volumes of…

Students with visual impairments are among the young innovators selected to represent Nigeria at the Codeavour 7.0 National Championship after excelling at the national finals held at Charterhouse Lagos. The competition brought together student teams from across the country who showcased artificial intelligence-driven innovations designed to address real-world challenges. At the end of the national finals, 36 teams qualified to represent Nigeria at the Codeavour International Championship scheduled for May in Jakarta, Indonesia. Among the standout participants was a team of visually impaired students known as “Beyond Sight.” The team developed an AI-powered audio wearable device designed to help visually…