The Ebonyi chapter of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), in partnership with the Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), has held its 5th Annual Workshop for 2025.
The workshop held on Thursday at the Theatre Arts auditorium of the Department of Arts, AE-FUNAI, Ikwo had a strong focus on the intersection of media, security and artificial intelligence (AI).
The workshop, which brought together communication scholars, industry professionals, and students, featured a keynote lecture by renowned criminologist and security expert, Prof. Smart Otu.
Otu’s lecture was delivered on his behalf by Dr McPherson Nnam, another respected criminology expert.
Speaking on the theme “The Media, Security and Artificial Intelligence,” Otu emphasised the growing relevance of AI in global and national security architecture.
He noted that the integration of AI into security and media operations held immense promise for the development of an informed and secured society.
The don however, cautioned against over-reliance on AI, stating that while the technology is revolutionary, it remained a creation of the human mind and could not replace human intelligence, discretion, and ethical judgment.
“Artificial intelligence has come to stay; but it is a product of human intelligence, it should support, not supplant, human reasoning,” Otu said.
The event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among media practitioners, security experts and communication scholars in harnessing AI to address emerging societal challenges.
The association described the workshop as a resounding success and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting academic and professional engagement on topical communication issues.
Earlier, the ACSPN state coordinator, Dr Joseph Chukwu welcomed stakeholders to the ‘Eminent Persons’ Workshop.
Chukwu, in a welcome address, said the event was the first to be hosted by the university and described it as a milestone for the state chapter since its establishment in 2021.
He said the choice of the theme was timely, given the growing intersection between emerging technologies and media practice.
The coordinator commended the Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Sunday Elom, for declaring the workshop open and expressed gratitude to the national leadership of ACSPN, led by Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, for its continued support.
Chukwu, also the Head of Department of Mass Communication described the guest Speaker, Prof. Smart Otu, whom as a globally recognised.
“Nigerian communication scholars and professionals must stay ahead by understanding and adapting to the realities of artificial intelligence and its impact on the media and society,” the coordinator said.
The event which interactive featured participants and scholars from universities, polytechnics, and media organisations across Ebonyi and beyond. ENDS//
