A two-day training on data journalism and the ethical application of artificial intelligence (AI) was held for students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) on June 19 and 20, 2025.
The training, organized by Dataphyte Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), AAUA Chapter, took place at the Faculty of Law Moot Court and commenced at 10:00 a.m. each day.
The program's objective was to provide participants with foundational and practical skills in data analysis, responsible use of AI tools, and data-driven storytelling. The sessions focused on identifying credible data sources, verifying information, and applying data insights to develop evidence-based journalistic reports.
Facilitators from Dataphyte led participants through practical sessions, highlighting the role of data in shaping accurate narratives and informing public discourse.
One of the facilitators, Kehinde Ogunyale, discussed the integration of AI in journalistic practices, emphasizing the importance of verification and ethical considerations in its use.
Participants reflected on the relevance of the training to their academic and professional development.
Ruth Joseph, a 200 level Mass Communication student, noted that the workshop helped her understand how to work with data beyond traditional event reporting.
"I learnt that I don't have to wait till the end of an event before writing my stories, that I can work with data, which is more accurate and void of my personal opinions."
Another participant, Adeoye Cephas, shared that the training introduced him to useful tools for sourcing and analyzing data, which he believes will improve his storytelling approach. "I gained knowledge about new apps where I can collect data for my use," he said.
