A former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, has emphasized the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance Kannywood’s filmmaking processes, while also urging caution against overdependence on the technology.

In an exclusive interview with SolaceBase TV, Prof. Abdalla, who is also a lecturer with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, described AI as a powerful tool that can assist filmmakers in numerous ways, including scriptwriting and historical research.

He explained that filmmakers can feed AI a story idea, such as a plot about a wicked emir who reforms, and AI can generate a complete script in under a minute.

According to him, this capability helps streamline the creative process and overcome writer’s block.

AI can also provide practical assistance with sensitive storytelling, for example, by suggesting character names to avoid offending religious sentiments.

Read Also: Turning Clicks into Cash: How to use social media to generate revenue

Moreover, he added that AI can help recreate historical details, such as 17th-century Hausa costumes, using information from historical records, and even generate images of places like Kofar Na’isa when no photographs exist, based on descriptive texts.

However, Prof. Abdalla stressed that AI should be understood as a tool that organizes existing information rather than creating new knowledge.

He likened everyday uses of AI to features like Siri voice assistant, spellcheck in Microsoft Office, and calculators, all of which simplify tasks without replacing human effort.

Despite AI’s advantages, Professor Abdalla warned of risks associated with excessive reliance.

“If people become too lazy because of AI, one day they might even ask AI what to eat before they eat,” he cautioned.

He highlighted concerns that creativity and critical thinking could decline if filmmakers depend too heavily on AI instead of conducting their own research and engaging deeply with cultural contexts.

Prof. Abdalla also underscored the importance of culture, religion, and tradition in shaping Kannywood narratives, reminding that filmmaking reflects society’s values and history.

While AI offers efficiency, maintaining the integrity of Hausa culture and storytelling remains essential.