A former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has warned Nigerians against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread fake information and manipulate public opinion, particularly on social media.
Runsewe said AI was not inherently harmful, noting that the technology could improve communication, research and content creation, as well as help solve complex problems when used responsibly.
However, he warned that its uncontrolled use could threaten social stability through fabricated images, cloned voices and misleading narratives capable of damaging families, institutions and government.
Runsewe said: “Fake AI images and voices are capable of tearing families apart, creating social tension, fuelling inter-religious and inter-ethnic strife and even discrediting and destabilising government.”
He urged Nigerians to verify information circulating on social media before accepting or sharing it, citing AI-generated voices and cloned images of prominent political figures and other members of society as examples of how the technology could be used to mislead the public.
The former NCAC director-general also expressed concern over the growing dependence on AI among students in higher institutions, particularly in completing assignments and conducting research.
According to him, excessive reliance on the technology has encouraged plagiarism, weakened intellectual effort and originality, and risked producing graduates without adequate knowledge and practical skills.
With Nigeria preparing for the 2027 general election, Runsewe warned against the deliberate use of AI-generated content to inflame political tensions and create instability.
He called on stakeholders in the electoral process to develop proactive and effective information strategies to counter false narratives and ensure that credible information reaches the public promptly.
Runsewe also advocated greater use of conventional media to provide reliable information and prevent rumours, fake news and sensational reports from spreading unchecked.
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He urged Nigerians to scrutinise online content and verify claims with the relevant authorities rather than accepting every post at face value.
Runsewe said: “Members of the public should scrutinise every piece of information from social media and cross-check with relevant government agencies rather than swallowing it hook, line and sinker.
“Artificial Intelligence, an innovative technology in the global information and communication system, can be counterproductive in Nigeria if citizens consume social media information without proper scrutiny.”
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