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AI can’t replace human intelligence – Experts
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Communication scholars and public relations practitioners have insisted that Artificial Intelligence cannot replace human intelligence in whatever guise.
KANO FOCUS reports that the experts made the revelation at the Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Kano Chapter.
The experts opined that AI is designed to replace manual work effectively and quickly, it cannot override the need for human input in the workspace.
In his presentation on “Artificial Intelligence and Spin Doctoring in Public Relations Practice in Nigeria,” the guest speaker, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, questioned the hype surrounding the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
A cross section of dignitaries at the event
He noted that even though the technology will aid human efforts in all endeavours, especially in the public relations practice, data collection, it is impossible for it to replace human intelligence, instinct, interactivity and creativity.
He added that there is no way the technology will have superiority over human abilities, since computer can remain exactly the same way in hundred years without human inputs.
“While artificial intelligence can change the field of public relations, it is not able to replace human intelligence and judgment.
“That human element necessary is not easily (if at all) replaceable by technology alone because successful PR strategies require the expertise and experience of skilled professionals.
A cross section of dignitaries at the event
“AI is a tool, not a human, and lacks the emotions needed when it comes to certain parts of the business.
Professor Adamu, nevertheless stated that AI has become an essential part of the business landscape as the ever-emerging technologies are presenting new opportunities for growth and development.
The university don also differentiated between spin doctoring and public relations, noting that while the duo share similar characteristics, but they are not interchangeable.
He referred to spin doctoring as ‘slanted information’, which bullies, punishes journalists for telling the truth, or for publishing authentic information about their principals, while public relations tries at all time to maintain cordial relationships over period of times.
LOC Members
“Spin doctors are professional media experts who work behind the scene to influence the media on behalf of their clients. Their job is to put an interpretation or slant on events or situations by providing a positive angle to a news story.
“In order to make politicians, political institutions, or corporations more attractive, spin doctors seek to frame their clients in a positive light by exercising some control over what is said about their clients and how it is said,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the publisher of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, noted that while public relation practitioners will not refer to themselves as ‘spin doctors’, they nevertheless enjoy enhancing positivity over negativity.
A cross section of dignitaries at the event
Shuaib who also stated that it is impossible for AI to replace human intelligence, he said the technology can only enhance the work of professionals in the areas of audience targeting, content generation, media engagement, online reputation management and crisis management.
He said that regular technological tools being used daily have AI features.
“The AI is nothing new if we realise that search engines, location search tools, spell checkers, reverse image app, computer games shared the same feature
“We can’t deny the fact that, AI saves time, increases efficiency, improves accuracy and enhancescompetetive advantages. It merely augments human intelligence but can never replace creativity, human interactions and natural instincts… one cannot fall in love with the Robot in real sense,” Shuaib concluded.
In his remarks, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku noted that humans are still immensely valuable in public relations because the need for creativity in interactions cannot be replaced by Artificial Intelligence.
A cross section of dignitaries at the event
He commended the NIPR Chapter in Kano and a Governing Member, Dr. Sule Yau Sule for facilitating the lecture on contemporary issues.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included the immediate President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo a traditional holder Katukan Kano, Alhaji Habibu Bello Dankadai who represented the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and other PR bigwigs and friends of the Institute.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Professor Muhammad Ahmad Makarfi of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has identified inclusive microfinance as a critical tool for addressing food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Makarfi, of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, made the recommendation while delivering the university’s 64th Professorial Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, October 14, 2026, at the CBN Centre of Excellence.
The lecture, titled *“Innovative Options for Nigeria’s Food Security and Poverty Alleviation: The Microfinance Pathway to Sustainable Development,”* examined how improved access to affordable financing could boost agricultural production and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The professor said that despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources, food production and rural livelihoods continued to face challenges, including limited access to affordable finance, insecurity, climate change, inadequate infrastructure and low agricultural productivity.
He argued that expanding access to agricultural finance, particularly for smallholder farmers, would encourage investment, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s food security.
Prof. Makarfi reviewed Nigeria’s agricultural financing policies and interventions, highlighting the need for innovative credit delivery systems that would make funding more accessible, affordable and sustainable for farmers.
He identified microfinance institutions and Islamic finance models as potential avenues for improving access to agricultural credit.
In his recommendations, the professor said sustainable food security and poverty reduction required policies that prioritised increased domestic agricultural production through better access to finance, modern technologies, quality farm inputs and markets.
He also called for stronger microfinance institutions, expanded farmer-friendly financing mechanisms and an enabling environment to attract investment across the agricultural value chain.
According to him, such measures would improve agricultural productivity, enhance livelihoods and accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Haruna Musa, who chaired the lecture, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni.
Prof. Musa commended the lecturer for choosing a topic that addressed critical issues surrounding food insecurity, livelihoods and agricultural development.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Aminu Sulaiman, who presented the lecturer’s citation, said Mr Makarfi had published more than 150 local and international publications, contributed 10 book chapters and authored eight books.
Professor Mahmoud Ibrahim Daneji, who represented the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, delivered the vote of thanks.
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