The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Nigerian firms risk lagging behind as SAP Joule transforms global ERP landscape, experts warn

    Nigerian firms risk lagging behind as SAP Joule transforms global ERP landscape, experts warn

    As Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems evolve rapidly across the globe, many Nigerian companies risk falling behind by not leveraging SAP Joule, an advanced Business AI copilot revolutionizing the way organisations manage operations within the SAP ecosystem.

    Although numerous firms in Nigeria have implemented SAP S/4HANA and related modules, few are tapping into the full potential of their systems. 

    SAP Joule, now embedded in core applications such as S/4HANA, SuccessFactors, and Ariba, is far more than a supplemental tool—it’s the next frontier in ERP.

    With the ability to interpret user intent and carry out complex tasks with minimal input, Joule empowers everyday users to handle responsibilities that previously required SAP experts or consultants, making advanced ERP functionality more accessible than ever before.

    “Joule is a business copilot with real intelligence. It can initiate, process, and finalise transactions using simple natural language instructions. This is not about convenience. It is about transforming how work is done,” said Lucky Felix Eyo, a Certified SAP Business AI Implementer, MIT-trained AI specialist, and Fellow of the BCS Chartered Institute for IT.

    To bridge this digital gap, Uranium Technologies, a pioneer in SAP training across Africa, and JMDL Consulting, a U.S.-based AI-focused enterprise solutions firm, announced a joint training initiative to help Nigerian organisations unlock the full value of their SAP investments. 

    The one-day intensive training will focus on SAP Business AI with a strong emphasis on Joule.

    The training will be held in Lagos on May 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja and in Abuja on June 4 at Nicon Luxury Hotel. 

    It is targeted at SAP users, functional leads, department heads, and consultants who want to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing ERP landscape.

    Read Also: VFS Global partners SAP to boost digital visa, mobility services

    “Many businesses are still relying on manual processes and struggling with underutilised licences. Joule changes all of that. It lets the business side of the organisation become self-sufficient, minimising the wait time for IT support or external consultants,” said Emmanuel Eze, Head of Technology at Uranium Technologies and project lead for the Aura AI initiative.

    Blake Davis, a U.S.-based enterprise systems trainer with more than 20 years of SAP process experience, joins the expert team delivering the training. Together with Eyo and Eze, the trio will demonstrate how SAP Joule can be applied directly to improve workflows across finance, procurement, human capital management, and manufacturing.

    The session is structured to deliver practical, real-world applications of Joule. Participants will gain hands-on insights into how the AI copilot can be used to generate financial statements, process purchase orders, manage employee data, and complete other mission-critical tasks. For consultants and technical teams, there will be an optional second day focused on backend configuration, Joule provisioning, and deployment strategies.

    Upon completion, all participants will receive a certificate of participation issued by Uranium Technologies. Consultants who attend the technical stream will also be eligible to take the SAP Joule Implementation Test and, upon passing, receive a Certificate of Achievement issued by SAP SE.

    Eyo stressed that companies ignoring Joule face a triple threat: slower processing times, higher operational costs due to human errors, and underwhelming return on SAP investments. 

    He also warned that consultants who do not upskill may find themselves pushed out by clients who now expect intelligent automation, not just system configuration.

    “Joule is already here. Whether you are on a public cloud, private infrastructure, or a hybrid deployment, the tool is available and active. What is missing is user awareness and hands-on training. That is what this session aims to fix,” he added.

    The broader message is clear. In the modern business environment, SAP without Joule is like running a high-end machine at half capacity. Nigerian businesses that delay AI integration risk inefficiencies, loss of competitive advantage, and increased operational costs.

    Interested participants are encouraged to visit www.utechng.com to register and secure their spot. The future of enterprise systems is not just digital, it is intelligent. Companies that fail to act now may soon find themselves outpaced by smarter, faster, and more agile competitors. In 2025, the choice is clear: embrace Joule or risk being left behind.

  • Young tech star Zainab Akinola inspires future innovators at International Girls in ICT event organized by Cisco

    Young tech star Zainab Akinola inspires future innovators at International Girls in ICT event organized by Cisco

    In a thrilling celebration of female innovation and empowerment, Zainab Akinola, a rising star in Nigeria’s tech scene, took the spotlight on Thursday 8th of May, 2025, at the International Girls in ICT Day event held at Yurdais Heights, Idowu Martins, Victoria Island. Sponsored by Cisco in partnership with WISE Nigeria, the event was themed “Reducing the Gender Gaps” and gathered bright young minds eager to explore careers in technology.

    Zainab was invited to the event as a special guest interviewee, in recognition of her exceptional achievements in software engineering at such a young age. During the Firechat Session, which many considered the highlight of the event, Zainab captivated the audience by sharing her journey into tech, openly discussing the challenges girls face and providing practical solutions to overcome them.

    She pointed out two major barriers: the male-dominated perception of the tech industry and the steep costs of formal training. “Many girls think tech isn’t for them simply because they don’t see enough women in the field,” she remarked. “But that’s changing. Today, more girls are not only learning tech but excelling at it.”

    Read Also: Too young for university, but not too young for tech innovation: Zainab Akinola’s story

    Regarding the issue of cost, Zainab emphasized that financial limitations shouldn’t stifle passion. “Not everyone can afford training programs that cost hundreds of thousands, even millions. But that’s no reason to give up. There are free platforms like YouTube where anyone can start learning at their own pace.”

    The event wasn’t just about discussions. Participants were split into groups to work on innovative projects using Scratch, transforming the day into a hands-on tech boot camp brimming with excitement and creativity.

    As the program wrapped up, Zainab expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm. “I’m so honored to have been part of this experience—not just as an attendee, but as a guest speaker. It means so much to be recognized for my work and to inspire other girls to pursue their dreams.”

  • Embrace AI now or risk falling behind, experts warn Nigerian businesses

    Embrace AI now or risk falling behind, experts warn Nigerian businesses

    Technology experts have warned that with Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly driving global business operations, Nigerian organisations could face serious setbacks if they do not adopt innovative tools like ChatGPT within the next two years.

    To help bridge this gap, Texas Business School (TBS), in collaboration with the Association of Information Technology Experts (NITE), is launching a high-impact executive training programme titled “Mastering ChatGPT for Business Excellence.” The sessions are scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja this May and June.

    The programme is specifically tailored for top-tier executives, including CEOs, directors, and senior managers,  in both public and private sectors. It offers hands-on training on how to effectively deploy AI solutions like ChatGPT to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and drive innovation.

    Global forecasts predict that by 2026, AI will influence or entirely power over 60% of executive decisions. Industry experts are urging Nigerian business leaders to act swiftly or risk losing their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

    “This is no longer a matter of convenience; it’s a necessity,” says Lucky Felix Eyo, a globally recognised AI consultant and lead facilitator for the program. “Organisations that delay adopting AI will find themselves unable to compete in both local and international markets.”

    Eyo, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with over 15 years of experience working with multinational firms such as BP, Citibank, and Procter & Gamble, is leading the training sessions alongside other notable experts. Their mission: equip Nigerian executives with real-world skills to apply AI tools for operational excellence — from finance and procurement to HR, legal, audit, and logistics.

    Read Also: NELFUND warns tertiary institutions against illegal charges on student Loan

    The sessions are deliberately structured to be practical and personalised. Participants are required to bring digital devices such as laptops or tablets to engage directly with Chatgpt and related AI platforms.

    Unlike traditional training formats, this initiative is built to ensure executives return to their offices ready to implement tools that automate routine processes, reduce decision-making time, and improve reporting systems.

    To eliminate communication barriers, the program will feature AI experts of African descent currently practising abroad, ensuring cultural relatability and localised examples that resonate with Nigerian professionals.

    Beyond the classroom, the programme promises long-term value for organisations by offering a strategic roadmap for embedding AI into corporate governance and operational frameworks.

    A spokesperson from the organising committee emphasised that many African countries, particularly Nigeria, are underrepresented in the global AI adoption matrix. 

    “Countries like India and China are surging ahead, not because they have better tools, but because they are better prepared,” he said. “This training is about catching up and staying ahead.”

    The Lagos edition of the training will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on May 20, 2025, followed by the Abuja session at Nicon Luxury Hotel on June 4, 2025. Attendance is capped to allow for deep, interactive learning, and early registration is advised.

    With digital transformation no longer a futuristic concept but an urgent reality, Nigerian organisations are being urged to seize this opportunity, not only to thrive in a competitive economy but to safeguard their relevance in an AI-first future.

  • New Google AI tool boosts African businesses

    New Google AI tool boosts African businesses

    Google has announced the global beta rollout of AI Max for Search Campaigns, an upgrade to its Search Ads platform that brings smarter, more intuitive advertising tools to businesses, including those in Africa, looking to grow and expand their online presence.

    This feature uses artificial intelligence to improve how ads are shown, helping local businesses connect with a larger customer base in the rapidly changing online environment.

    This launch comes at a time when African businesses are navigating an increasingly digital economy. As more people across the continent turn to Search to make decisions — whether they’re looking for the nearest tailor in Yaba or comparing prices for solar panels in Nairobi — the opportunities for businesses to connect with local customers have never been greater. But reaching those customers, especially in a region as diverse and fast-evolving as Africa, isn’t always easy. That’s where AI Max steps in.

    AI Max is designed to help businesses show up in more relevant searches, even when potential customers don’t use the exact words the business might expect. By drawing on the latest AI models, including Google’s Gemini technology, the feature allows businesses to expand their reach beyond traditional keyword targeting. That means a small shop in Kumasi selling handmade bags can now appear in searches like “durable carryall for weekend travel” — even if the ad didn’t include those specific words.

    “People are asking more specific questions on Search, and they expect more helpful answers,” said Brian Burdick, Senior Director of Search at Google. “With AI Max, we’re using advanced AI to better understand those questions and help businesses show up at just the right moment, with content that’s more relevant and more likely to help people find what they’re looking for.”

    The new feature suite includes: Search term matching, which automatically finds new relevant queries that a business might not have thought of; Dynamic text customization, where ad copy updates in real-time to better match user intent; Final URL expansion, which directs customers to the most relevant page on a business’s website; And control settings, like location targeting and brand filters, that give advertisers more say in where and how their ads appear.

    Read Also: From Google to Xvideos: How Nigerians surfed the web in March 2025

    For African business owners — many of whom operate in crowded marketplaces with limited marketing budgets — these tools can make the difference between being discovered or being overlooked. The platform’s automation doesn’t just save time; it helps ensure that limited ad spend goes further by connecting businesses to higher-intent customers.

    Results from early adopters globally are promising: businesses that activated AI Max in their campaigns saw an average 14% increase in conversions at a similar cost-per-action. For those still using more traditional targeting methods, like exact-match keywords, the uplift was even higher.

    Crucially, this is not a new campaign type — it’s a setting within existing Search campaigns. That means African businesses can turn on AI Max and begin experimenting right away, without needing to start from scratch.

    “We know many African entrepreneurs wear multiple hats. They’re managing stock, serving customers, and handling finances — often all at once,” said Burdick. “AI Max is about making their advertising work harder for them, not adding to their workload.”

    This announcement also builds on Google’s broader efforts to support small and medium-sized businesses in Africa. Through training programs like the Hustle Academy and its ongoing digital skills initiatives, Google has helped millions of African entrepreneurs build the skills they need to succeed in a digital-first world.

    With the launch of AI Max for Search Campaigns, those businesses now have an additional tool — one that not only understands their goals but helps them get there faster.

    AI Max will begin rolling out in open beta globally, including in Africa, later this month.

  • Cloud Computing: A Game-Changer for Nigerian Businesses – Mary Oluwafeyisayo Ogundele

    Cloud Computing: A Game-Changer for Nigerian Businesses – Mary Oluwafeyisayo Ogundele

    In an era where technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, cloud computing is pivotal key for organisations to ensuring efficient and cost-effective information technology (IT) infrastructure across various sectors, Mary Oluwafeyisayo Ogundele, a tech and business management expert, has said.

    Recent reports indicate that Nigeria’s public cloud services market is projected to reach approximately $1.5 billion by 2025, driven by increased adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions.

    Ogundele noted that as organisations increasingly deploy sophisticated applications and services, the demand on their infrastructure —comprising storage, computing, and networking— surges as they face increasing pressure to upscale to meet their dynamic needs ensure efficient service delivery. She, however, noted that while businesses have historically relied on traditional data centres to house and manage their critical IT equipment, she emphasised that they lack the agility and flexibility to meet the demands of modern workloads and applications.

    “Legacy data centres have served us well in the past, but they lack the agility and flexibility to meet the demands of modern workloads and applications,” Ogundele said in an exclusive interview.

    “While legacy data centres offer control and ownership, they lack the agility required to support modern workloads such as big data, generative AI, and Internet of Things (IoT). The costs associated with maintaining these facilities can be prohibitive for many organisations,” she added.

    The tech expert said cloud computing offers on-demand access to computing resources, including storage and processing power, without the need for direct management by the end user. According to her, cloud computing provides a pay-per-use pricing model, which eliminates the need for upfront capital expenditures and operational costs.

    She said: “Cloud computing has revolutionised the way organisations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers a wide range of services, including application development tools, software, and AI-powered analytics, all accessible over the internet with pay-per-use pricing models.

    “With cloud computing, organisations can quickly scale up or down to meet changing business needs, without having to worry about cost implications accrued on the underlying infrastructure or the Human resource that will be required to manage them.”

    In addition to cost savings and operational efficiencies, Ogundele stated that cloud computing offers enhanced security measures to protect against cyberattacks and other threats. Organisations, she highlighted, can benefit from robust physical security measures, layered digital security protocols, and constant monitoring of environmental conditions and equipment performance for early detection of potential problems.

    As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital transformation, Ogundele asserted that cloud computing stands out as a critical enabler of innovation and economic growth in the country.

    “The future of IT infrastructure lies in the cloud. Cloud computing has the potential to transform the way we do business in Nigeria.

    “By leveraging cloud computing, organisations can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth while ensuring the resilience and reliability of their services. I encourage organisations to take advantage of its many benefits,” she said.

    By Engr Mary Oluwafeyisayo Ogundele CCNP ( ENCO

  • Nigeria shines at Dubai AI Week, as techpreneurs show class, innovation

    Nigeria shines at Dubai AI Week, as techpreneurs show class, innovation

    Nigeria made a compelling statement on the global stage last month as it led a prominent delegation to Dubai AI Week 2025, an international technology summit held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

    The event, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, was curated and hosted by Nigerian tech entrepreneur Folajimi Daodu, CEO of Vault Hill and Co-Founder of Safira Events.

    The Nigerian delegation featured some of the country’s foremost AI entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders.

    The delegation’s strong presence marked one of the most substantial from Africa and reflected Nigeria’s growing influence in the global digital economy.

    The delegates included Yinka Iyinolakan (CDIAL), Omi Iyamu (AVA AI), Esther Iyamu (GrowthQ), Kayode Odeleye (Caena), Henry Ogbuagu (Vencapital), and Ayo Olatoye (Hult Business School).

    Read Also: Nigerian firm battles Dubai-based company over N3 billion failed oil deal

    Throughout the duration of the event, participants took part in keynotes, panels, workshops, and exhibitions across the Dubai AI Assembly and the Machines Can See Summit, showcasing Nigerian innovation in AI-driven education, branding, funding, and customer engagement.

    One of the standout contributions was CDIAL’s demonstration of Indigenius AI and Stakestack AI, platforms developed to address local language processing and adaptive learning, attracting notable attention from international partners and investors.

    The participation of the Nigerian delegation was seen as a practical extension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places innovation, digital transformation, and international collaboration at the heart of national economic growth and youth empowerment.

    This vision was echoed by the groundwork laid by groups like the Nigeria AI Collective and Data Science Nigeria, which continue to drive policy dialogue, technical capacity development, and grassroots engagement.

    Their work aligns with the Five Strategic Pillars outlined by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, spanning Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, and Capital.

    Nigeria’s role at Dubai AI Week 2025 was described by observers as not merely symbolic but strategic, demonstrating a shift from peripheral inclusion to central participation in global AI discourse.

    As the summit concluded, it was clear that Nigeria’s digital future is not only being imagined — it is being built and exported.

  • OptSEO:  Ihejiawunze moves to help SMEs survive AI-driven search disruption

    OptSEO:  Ihejiawunze moves to help SMEs survive AI-driven search disruption

    • By Daniel Igboekwe

    As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how people find information online, a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to remain visible in an increasingly complex digital marketplace.

    At the centre of efforts to bridge this widening gap is Chris Ihejiawunze, a digital marketing expert and founder of OptSEO, an AI-driven search optimisation platform being developed to support at least 1,000 SMEs over the next three years.

    Ihejiawunze warned that many small businesses are already being priced out of digital visibility, even as search engines evolve from simple keyword-based systems into conversational, AI-powered discovery tools.

    According to him, the problem is not a lack of interest from business owners, but the high cost of traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services.

    He recounted a recent encounter with a small business owner seeking to improve her online presence. After approaching a digital agency, she was quoted £2,500 monthly for SEO services and immediately abandoned the idea.

    Read Also: Stakeholders call for priority attention, collective responsibility for shaping future of children, youths

    “She didn’t give up because she didn’t believe in SEO,” Ihejiawunze explained. “She gave up because she simply couldn’t afford it.”

    He said the experience was far from isolated, noting that similar stories are common among small business owners who understand the importance of digital visibility but lack the financial capacity to sustain expensive marketing retainers.

    This recurring challenge, he said, led to the idea behind OptSEO. “I began to ask myself what would happen if advanced SEO didn’t have to be expensive,” he said. “What if we could equip at least 1,000 SMEs with tools that prepare them for the AI search era without breaking the bank?”

    Ihejiawunze explained that the rules of online discovery have changed significantly in recent years. With the introduction of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), conversational AI tools such as ChatGPT, and answer engines like Perplexity, users are no longer simply typing keywords into search boxes.

    “People are now having conversations with AI,” he said. “If your business is not optimised for these new platforms, you are invisible to a large segment of potential customers.”

    He stressed that relying solely on traditional SEO techniques is no longer enough, especially for SMEs competing against larger brands with deeper pockets and more sophisticated digital strategies.

    OptSEO, which is still in development, is designed to serve as a bridge between small businesses and emerging AI-powered search platforms. Ihejiawunze said the platform will integrate Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), predictive insights, and automated structured data to help SMEs adapt to the new search landscape.

    However, unlike many tech startups that prioritise speed to market, Ihejiawunze said OptSEO is being built deliberately, with heavy input from real businesses.

    “Most tech products are built first and tested later,” he said. “We chose to listen first. I’m already working with businesses, not to sell anything, but to understand their frustrations, workflows, and limitations. Their experiences are shaping every feature of the platform.”

    He emphasised that the target of empowering 1,000 SMEs is not a marketing gimmick but a measurable mission.

    “I want to see real businesses, local service providers, retailers, and solo entrepreneurs gain visibility in a world where AI is rewriting the rules,” he said.

    While OptSEO is still under development, Ihejiawunze urged SMEs not to wait before taking action. He outlined practical steps businesses can implement immediately to improve their chances of being discovered by AI-powered search tools.

    First, he advised businesses to focus on answering real customer questions clearly and directly on their websites, particularly on FAQs and service pages.

    “AI thrives on clarity,” he said. “If your content answers what customers are actually asking, AI systems are more likely to surface it.”

    Second, he encouraged SMEs to adopt basic structured data, using free tools such as Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to add schema for FAQs, business hours, and products.

    Finally, he highlighted the importance of optimising content for voice search, noting the rise in the use of voice assistants.

    “Content should sound natural,” he said. “Questions like ‘How much does installation cost?’ or ‘Do you offer weekend service?’ help AI engines understand user intent.”

    For Ihejiawunze, the OptSEO project goes beyond technology. He described it as a push for fairness and accessibility in the digital economy.

    “This is about giving every business a fair shot at visibility, whether they can afford £1,500 a month or not,” he said. “OptSEO is my way of levelling the playing field and making AI-driven SEO practical and affordable.”

    He also invited SMEs to actively participate in shaping the platform.

    “Tell me your story,” he said. “Your challenges help us build a product that works for you, not against you. Together, we can make AI search optimization accessible and powerful for small businesses.”

    As AI continues to redefine online discovery, initiatives like OptSEO may prove critical in ensuring that SMEs are not left behind in the next phase of the digital economy.

    Please send the link

    Show quoted text

  • Cloud Security in 2025: Strengthening defences amid rising risks

    Cloud Security in 2025: Strengthening defences amid rising risks

    By-Engr T.S Afolabi (PSM)

    Cybersecurity in 20255 is evolving rapidly, making it essential to stay ahead of emerging threats. Traditional security perimeters are no longer effective, and organizations must adopt a Zero Trust approach, ensuring every access request is verified and security remains proactive. AI is transforming cybersecurity, boosting threat detection and response, but it also fuels cybercriminal activities like phishing and deepfake attacks. The challenge is balancing AI integration with employee awareness to counter AI-driven threats.

    Ransomware continues to thrive, with Ransomware-as-a-Service making it easier for criminals to target businesses and institutions. Protecting against these attacks requires strong endpoint security, regular data backups, and user education. Cloud security is another critical area where companies must take responsibility for securing their applications, data, and access controls. Misconfigurations remain a major vulnerability, making encryption and multi-factor authentication essential.

    Cyber resilience is now more important than simple prevention. Organizations need effective incident response plans and disaster recovery measures to ensure business continuity after a cyberattack. As connected devices multiply, IoT and OT networks present unseen security risks. Regular vulnerability assessments and proper network segmentation help mitigate threats.

    Read Also: Google Cloud launches first cloud region in Africa, accelerating digital transformation

    Regulatory compliance is tightening worldwide, with frameworks like GDPR and NDPR making cybersecurity a core business requirement. Staying informed about regulations is necessary to avoid legal and reputational damage. Meanwhile, the cybersecurity talent gap persists, pushing companies to invest in training and certifications like CISM and CISSP to strengthen their security posture.

    Cybersecurity is more than just defense—it builds trust and supports growth. Awareness and action are key to staying ahead of threats and ensuring a secure future. Stay vigilant, informed, and prepared to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
    Stay safe and secure,
    Engr T.S Afolabi (PSM)
    CISM Certified
    apanachat@yahoo.com

  • Nigerian doctors launch AI tool to improve care for patient

    Nigerian doctors launch AI tool to improve care for patient

    Two Nigerian physicians have launched an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to ease the burden of medical documentation and give healthcare professionals more time for patient care.

    Unveiled at the 47th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) in Abeokuta, Precision Note promises to reduce paperwork fatigue and improve the quality of patient care.

    The innovation is the brainchild of two Nigerian doctors, Dr. Emmanuel Egberuare and Dr. Emmanuel Adetunji, who developed the platform based on their first-hand experience with the administrative burdens faced by frontline healthcare workers.

    According to Dr. Egberuare, we built Precision Note after listening closely to what healthcare providers truly need: a faster, smarter, and easier way to document patient interactions. Our goal is to restore valuable time to clinicians, improve documentation accuracy, and elevate the overall patient experience.”

    With the tagline: “Chart Smarter, Care Better,” Precision Note uses voice recognition, medical intelligence, and workflow automation to instantly generate accurate clinical notes.

    The tool also offers customizable templates for different medical specialties, helping doctors avoid repetitive typing. It integrates directly with existing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, eliminating the need for double entry and ensuring data security.

    The developers say the tool is compliant with both local and international data privacy standards, including Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) guidelines and the United States’ HIPAA regulation.

    According to Dr. Adetunji, the app can help doctors complete documentation up to 70% faster than traditional methods.

    “This means more time for patients and less time staring at a screen,” he said. “By reducing administrative load, we’re also addressing physician burnout, which is a serious concern in today’s healthcare system.”

    Read Also: AI generated fake news, misinformation impacting society negatively, says Reps spokesman

    Beyond saving time, Precision Note is expected to cut costs by reducing errors and minimizing the need for documentation corrections.

    It also aims to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship by allowing more meaningful interactions during consultations.

    Currently available in Nigeria and other African markets, the platform offers various pricing models, including monthly subscriptions, pay-per-use plans, and enterprise packages for hospitals and health systems.

    Looking ahead, the developers plan to add a multilingual feature that will automatically interpret lab and imaging results in local languages, making it easier for patients to understand their health information.

    “Precision Note was built by physicians, for physicians,” the co-founders emphasized. 

    “We understand the strain of documentation, our platform transforms workflows so clinicians can prioritize what matters most: their patients.”

    Live demos, expert panels, and virtual events are part of the company’s rollout strategy, and early adopters are already being welcomed through pilot programs and integration support.

    For more information or to request a demo, healthcare providers can visit the official Precision Note website.

  • FG seeks development of guidelines in AI use in journalism

    FG seeks development of guidelines in AI use in journalism

    The federal government has advocated for the development of ethical guidelines for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism practice in the country.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said this in Abuja on Friday at a workshop to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

    The event, with the theme: “Reporting in th brave new world – the impact of artificial intelligence on press freedom and the media,” was organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in association with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

    He said the federal government was working towards developing a national policy framework for AI in media, with the aim of promoting innovation, while safeguarding press freedom and journalistic integrity. 

    Idris urged media stakeholders to doore to invest in training journalists to allow for a seamless adoption AI tools

    Represented by the Director, Press, Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, Dr Suleman Haruna, the minister also called for transparency in generating Al contents.

    He said: “As we embrace AI’s potential to transform journalism, we must establish appropriate legal safeguards and ethical frameworks.”

    Idris argued that a free press was essential for a society to be free and for democracy to thrive, noting however, that “freedom must come with responsibility.” 

    He said the line between human and Al-generated content was becoming increasingly blurry, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and bias in reporting.

    Idris added: “Newsrooms are increasingly having to disclose when AI is used in content creation as evidenced by cases where media outlets used AI without proper disclosure.

    “We recognise that our future is not necessarily man versus machine, but man with machine. 

    “AI innovation should underscore the excellence of our newsrooms and the vision that constantly drives us,” the minister said. 

    Chairman, House of Representatives Committees on Media and Public Affairs Akintunde Rotimi expressed concern about the need to preserve the integrity of journalism in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.

    Rotimi said: “Let us not be deceived: technology is a tool, not a conscience. 

    Read Also: NUJ FCT to honour Moji Danisa as trailblazer in tabloid journalism

    “In the face of rapid advancements, AI has proven capable of generating grammatically perfect articles, composing music, and processing vast amounts of data with breathtaking speed. 

    “But what it cannot replicate is moral clarity, human empathy, or the moral courage to challenge power; all of which lie at the core of the journalistic vocation,” he said. 

    Rotimi noted that AI undeniably offers great promise, such as accelerating reporting, enhancing verification, and broadening the scope of dissemination. 

    He said the rise of AI-generated false news is not just a theoretical concern but a reality that has already begun to impact societies globally.

    Rotimi said the occasion presented the opportunity to collectively reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the press, and to recommit to upholding the very tenets of free expression, public accountability and democratic governance, which are fundamental to the advancement of civil society.

    The Resident Representative of KAS, Marija Peran, in her welcome remark, said in an era where AI increasingly shapes the world, everyone is confronted with novel challenges and opportunities. 

    “AI possesses the potential to fundamentally transform the manner in which we gather, process, and disseminate information. 

    “It can empower journalists to work with greater speed and efficiency, yet it also introduces risks that may imperil press freedom,” she said.

    Peran said enhancing journalistic practices through AI requires a critical balance between technological efficiency and ethical responsibility to ensure that the core values of truth and integrity are upheld. 

    “We shall examine how AI influences journalistic practices, the ethical questions that arise, and how we can ensure that press freedom is preserved in a future dominated by technology.

    “The World Press Freedom Day is a great opportunity to assess these questions and address them, especially with press freedom declining worldwide.

    “We must, always, defend the media from attacks on their independence,” she said.

    She said the organisation would continue to support strong and independent media worldwide, 

    The Executive Director of CJID, Akintunde Babatunde, said the World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments of their commitment to uphold press freedom.