News
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
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
