By Tola Gbadamosi

The Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) into information management and fact-checking for its personnel.

This move aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of military personnel in strategic communication, aligning with modern trends in public relations.

The Acting Commandant of NASPRI, Lt Col Adamu Ngulde, disclosed to participants of the Strategic Communication Course that they should prepare to further enhance their knowledge of Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact-Checking, as part of the courses lined up for their training.

He made this known during the inauguration ceremony of the Second Quarter Courses 2025, held at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja Auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.

The Acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja, and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor at the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), to train participants on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also noted that in modern public relations, strategic communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he reminded students of the A1 Photojournalism Course of the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities and telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale.

He emphasised that graphic design and printing ensure that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered.

He assured the students that NASPRI will provide well-packaged training tailored to the needs of each course.

    Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI, which has been instrumental in maintaining the standards the school upholds today.

  He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, and the Chief of Training (Army), Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke, while reading out the course expectations, stated that the courses are prerequisites for career progression and service delivery.

He said the students are therefore expected to meet the training objectives of the school, as they will be tutored in various subjects to equip them with the skills needed to handle 5th Generation Warfare, which is information-based.

He urged them to settle down quickly and ensure they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively engage with the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students of the need to familiarise themselves with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of NASPRI and to exhibit the highest standard of discipline expected of military personnel, warning that all acts of indiscipline would not be tolerated.

A total of 76 students assembled for the Second Quarter 2025 Courses, comprising 16 senior officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 Photojournalism, and X3 Graphics Design and Printing.