By Balogun Tumininu.
Abideen Olasupo, founder of FactCheck Africa, a nonprofit fact-checking platform, has been selected for the 2025 AI Journalism Lab Leadership Cohort hosted by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY).
Olasupo, who is currently in New York, joins a group of 23 prominent news leaders from around the world who will explore cutting-edge technologies transforming the media landscape. The programme, conducted in partnership with Microsoft, aims to empower participants to navigate the complexities of AI and inspire positive change in the media industry.
Through this cohort, Olasupo will deepen his understanding of AI-driven tools that can enhance journalistic accuracy, streamline fact-checking processes, and combat misinformation. He will also learn from AI and journalism experts about integrating AI tools into media workflows, increasing transparency in newsrooms, and tackling challenges related to deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and data manipulation.
Olasupo’s selection for the programme recognizes his contributions to fact-checking in Africa through FactCheck Africa. The organisation has launched innovative initiatives, including Africa’s first AI-powered fact-checking platform, ‘MyAIFactchecker’, and a 3-month AI Journalism Fellowship for West African journalists.
Speaking on his selection, Olasupo said, “This programme aligns with FactCheck Africa’s mission to improve media literacy, promote critical thinking, and provide reliable fact-checking services to the African public.” He pledged to share his knowledge and skills gained through the programme with his colleagues in Africa to foster positive change in the media industry.