As Nigeria aspires to become a global hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) model training and talent development by 2030, stakeholders have emphasized the need for policies that ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. During a national dialogue organized by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, in collaboration with the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Nigeria National Centre and UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (UNESCO-ICHEI), key figures discussed the significance of these policies in shaping Nigeria’s AI strategy.
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted that Nigeria’s AI strategy aims to create over 50,000 jobs and leverage technology to drive sustainable development. He underscored the importance of integrating AI into the education system, stressing that guidelines are necessary to address concerns like data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the digital divide.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, praised the initiative, noting that the rapid advancement of AI is transforming how education and research are conducted in Nigeria. He pointed out that the country’s vibrant youth population is well-positioned to harness AI’s potential to revolutionize the higher education landscape.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to update their curricula to include AI and data science courses. He envisions a future where Nigerian institutions are not just consumers of AI technology but active developers.
The dialogue concluded with calls for regulators to create a conducive environment for AI integration in tertiary institutions and for the government to utilize the dialogue’s outcomes to shape future AI policies in Nigeria’s education sector.