Safer-Media Initiative Announces AI Training for Journalists across Nigeria
By SMI | Jan 28, 2026
Abuja, Nigeria – Safer-Media Initiative (SMI) has opened applications for a specialized training program designed to fill knowledge and skills gaps in the integration of Artificial Intelligence into Nigerian newsrooms.
​The workshop, themed “AI Tools for Journalists: Effective, Responsible, and Safe Use,” is a core component of the AIM (AI and Media) Project: Navigating the Present and Shaping the Future. It builds upon insights gathered from previous project activities—stakeholder convening, focusÂ-groups, and surveys—conducted by SMI.
The Executive Director and CEO of Safer-Media Initiative, Peter Iorter, said: "This workshop will equip participants to explore practical AI tools, enhance reporting quality, and improve overall newsroom efficiency."
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The training will be held in Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, 2026; in Benin on Friday, March 20, 2026; and in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026. A virtual training session will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for those unable to attend in person. This will be followed by a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, which Iorter noted is “designed to address the challenges participants may face when trying to apply what they learned during the training.”
​​Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering Prompt Engineering, which offers practical instruction on "The Art of Prompting" to achieve high-quality journalistic results. There will also be a hands-on Tool Review of AI-powered tools designed to streamline daily workflows.
Furthermore, the sessions will cover Ethical Practices to combat misinformation and maintain editorial standards, as well as strategies for addressing gender-sensitive risks and digital workspace safety.
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The call for applications is open to all journalists, including reporters, editors, and newsroom staff. Newsroom managers and IT personnel are also encouraged to apply to ensure a holistic improvement in newsroom efficiency and digital safety.
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How to apply:
​Interested media professionals are invited to apply using this link. The call opens on 27 January and closes at 11:59 p.m. on 10 February 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as only limited seats are available.
The AIM Project is implemented by SMI with funding support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
