Ibadan will host a major training event on October 11, 2025, aimed at equipping young civic leaders with the skills to use artificial intelligence for strengthening democracy. The Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Workshop, organized by the Digital Democracy Lab in partnership with FactCheck Africa and supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, is now open for applications.
The one-day intensive program is designed for journalists, campus journalists, civil society actors, technology enthusiasts, and researchers. Organizers say the training will focus on fact-checking, accountability, and the use of AI-driven tools to counter misinformation and enhance civic participation.
Nigeria, like many countries, has faced the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation spreading online. Experts warn that unchecked false narratives can undermine public trust in institutions and distort democratic processes. Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool to tackle this problem, and the upcoming workshop is being positioned as a platform for civic actors to gain practical skills in applying the technology.
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Participants will be introduced to a range of AI applications, from automated verification systems to platforms that help monitor online conversations for signs of coordinated misinformation campaigns. Organizers stress that the workshop is not limited to those with a technical background. Instead, it is intended for individuals who are motivated to understand how technology can be used to improve governance and strengthen transparency in society.
Speaking ahead of the event, representatives of the Digital Democracy Lab explained that the training will go beyond classroom-style teaching. The sessions will include co-creation activities where participants will work in teams to design practical toolkits that respond to the Nigerian civic landscape. These toolkits will focus on transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of AI.
In addition to technical knowledge, the program is expected to provide an important networking opportunity. Attendees will automatically join the Youth AI Network, a community of young professionals and activists who are committed to advancing democratic values through technology. Organizers believe this community will serve as a platform for peer learning, collaboration, and long-term mentorship. Participants will also receive certificates of participation, which can support their professional and academic profiles.
Our analyst notes that interest in the training is expected to be high, given the relevance of artificial intelligence to current global debates. From newsroom innovation to the fight against election misinformation, AI tools are increasingly influencing how societies process and trust information. Nigeria’s vibrant youth population is considered a crucial part of the response to these challenges, and the workshop is framed as part of a wider movement to equip young people with future-facing skills.
Applications for the workshop are already open and can be submitted through the registration link provided by organizers. Successful applicants will be contacted with further details about the venue in Ibadan. With limited spaces available, interested individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible through tinyurl.com/IbadanAIworkshop.
Backstage
The Ibadan workshop will be the latest in a series of initiatives exploring how technology can support democratic resilience. Previous programs run by the Digital Democracy Lab have focused on media literacy, fact-checking, and digital rights. The AI Fundamentals Workshop marks a step further by directly engaging participants in the use of artificial intelligence tools that can make accountability work more effective.
