The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said Nigeria cannot undermine the fact that artificial intelligence is transforming potential for Africa.
Tijani, represented by National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, stated this while delivering his speech at the International Week of the University of Lagos, with the theme, ‘Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa’.
He explained that AI has been transforming different sectors. He said under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has embarked on a robust digital transformation agenda by building digital infrastructure and expanding broadband penetration.
“We are building digital infrastructure, expanding broadband penetration to ensure that every Nigerian regardless of location can access the digital economy,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said that Africa must play a central role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
“The future of AI in Africa cannot be built without Africans. More importantly, AI for the world cannot be built without African insights. Our students understand contexts that cannot be captured outside here. They know how communities make decisions, how families navigate healthcare systems, how businesses operate with limited resources.”
She stressed that the choices these emerging professionals make will influence whether AI serves as a force for empowerment or reinforces existing systems of dependency.
She highlighted the importance of intentional problem-solving and responsible innovation, noting that the students’ efforts will shape how AI is adopted, governed, and experienced globally.
The university’s Acting Director at NITDA IT Hub (NItHub), Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, said African need to appreciate what they do. According to him, it’s high time people began to see value in themselves and that Africans are the solutions to their problems and not outsiders.
