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Students of Higher National Diploma (HND) II, Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (AAPOLY), Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, participated in a training session on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) facilitated by the Executive Director of ROUNDCHECK, Caleb Ijioma.
The training, held at the Abusi Edumare annex campus, explored the growing importance of MIL, fact-checking, and responsible information sharing in today’s digital age.
Speaking during the training, Ijioma described MIL as the ability to engage with media and information critically, responsibly, and effectively. He noted that in a fast-changing digital environment where information spreads rapidly across multiple platforms, individuals must develop the ability to question, analyse, and verify the information they encounter.
He explained that while traditional media platforms such as radio, television, and newspapers once served as the major gatekeepers of information, the digital era has transformed virtually everyone into a potential content creator and distributor.
According to him, this shift has increased the responsibility on individuals to assess the credibility, purpose, and possible impact of information before consuming or sharing it.
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Highlighting the importance of media and information literacy, Ijioma stated that it helps individuals create content responsibly, identify false or misleading information, make informed decisions, promote active citizenship, and stay safe in an increasingly complex information ecosystem.
A major focus of the session was fact-checking, which he emphasised remains essential in correcting misinformation, promoting accountability, strengthening public trust, and reducing the harmful effects of false information in society.
During the workshop, students were introduced to the concept of information disorder, including misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
“Misinformation refers to false information shared without harmful intent, often by individuals who believe it to be true. Disinformation,” he said, “ It involves deliberately false information created or spread to mislead people, while malinformation refers to genuine information used maliciously to cause harm.”
Using practical, real-life examples, he demonstrated how false and misleading information has led to serious consequences across societies, including public panic, reputational damage, violence, and loss of life.
He warned students against the dangers of sharing unverified information, emphasising that a single post, message, or social media share can trigger far-reaching consequences.
The session also covered practical verification methods, including using relevant keywords in search engines, consulting verified news platforms, conducting interviews, cross-checking information with credible websites, and using fact-checking platforms and digital verification tools.
With the growing influence of artificial intelligence in content creation, the training also addressed the rise of deepfakes and manipulated digital content.
He advised students to pay attention to warning signs such as unnatural facial expressions, inconsistent audio quality, awkward body movements, and unusual positioning of facial features.
Present at the event were the Head of Department, Dr. Aro Adebisi; the host lecturer, Adeoye Saidat; and other lecturers, including Saeed Gbadebo and Ayantunga-Odule Phebean.
