Bauchi: 30 NAWOJ members Learn AI Skills, Prioritize Mental Well-being

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

No fewer than 30 women journalists in Bauchi have completed a unique training that blended cutting-edge digital tools with vital lessons on mental health — a combination organisers say is essential for survival in today’s fast-paced media world.

The one-day workshop, hosted by the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), brought together reporters, broadcasters, and editors from across the state. 

Partnering with mental health experts and computer scientists, the programme aimed to equip participants with strategies to cope with the emotional demands of their profession while also mastering the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) for news production.

From covering gender-based violence to reporting on conflict and humanitarian crises, women journalists often face stories that leave lasting emotional scars. The training addressed this head-on, with psychologists guiding sessions on building resilience, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking timely support.

“Journalism can be emotionally draining, and we can no longer overlook its impact on mental health,” said NAWOJ Bauchi Chairperson, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf..

 “When journalists are well, their work is better. That’s why safety and well-being must come first.”

Alongside mental health sessions, participants explored AI-driven tools that are rapidly transforming the newsroom — from fact-checking and transcription to audience engagement, content translation, and detecting misinformation.

AI specialist and media trainer Asiya Rade urged journalists to see technology as an equalizer: “These tools can help women compete on the same level as anyone in the industry. But we must also be mindful of ethical issues — like bias in algorithms and deepfake threats — and ensure human oversight remains central.”

For many, the experience was transformative. “We carry silent burdens from the stories we tell,” said Salamatu Labaran of Globe FM. “This workshop showed me how to care for myself and still do my job well.”

Bauchi State Television reporter Fatima Baba left with renewed confidence: “Now I can use AI to make my stories more accurate, engaging, and far-reaching.”

Organizers encouraged participants to join follow-up mentorship programs and build a peer support network for women journalists in the state. The initiative, they noted, is part of a broader push to ensure women journalists in Northern Nigeria not only stay mentally healthy but also remain competitive in an evolving media landscape.