Experts task youths on AI solutions to socioeconomic challenges

UI, LAUTECH, UNIBEN, others participate in hackathon games

Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts and innovators have urged Nigerian youths to be innovative, adaptive and think of AI in tackling social and economic issues bedeviling the country.

The experts include Co-founders of The 234 Project, Akin Akinboro, and Mobolaji Sokunbi, Dr Adekunbi Omotoso; the Academic Director, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria (RAIN), Aminat Akinyemi-Ayoola, and others.

The experts emphasised that Nigeria needed innovators that would solve its indigenous problems.
They made the call during the 234 AI Hackathon Games and Competition, which took place at the Infinix Student Resource Centre, Student Union building and the University of Ibadan, Oyo state.
The AI Hackathon competition attracted participants from the University of Ibadan, University of Benin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the Osun State University, who slugged it out for the coveted prizes.

The 234 AI Hackathon Games is a convergence of young minds interested in shaping the youth development narrative in the country.

The competition was organised by The 234 Project to bring together young minds with a view to tackling real-world challenges, using artificial intelligence.

Forty participants were divided into 10 groups, focusing on creating solutions, using AI in areas such as agriculture and health with three teams emerging winners. Certificates and cash prizes were given to the top three teams and other participants were also appreciated by The 234 Project.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of The 234 Project, Ifeoluwa Oyebisi, said AI Hackathon Games was created in response to the growing need for young Nigerians to engage with and harness the power of AI to drive innovation and solve local challenges.

She explained that the 234 AI Hackathon Game is not just a competition, but a launch pad for the next generation of Nigerian innovators, capable of shaping a future where AI-driven solutions enhance societal development.

Oyebisi said: “By encouraging collaboration, problem-solving and the practical application of AI, the programme helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world impact.”
“Through participation, they gain hands-on experience in using AI to tackle real-world challenges, enhancing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and creating innovative solutions such as Road Accident Prevention Tool, AI-Powered Crop Disease Detection Drone, Mental Health AI-Powered Tool and so on.

“The hackathon also promotes teamwork and networking, offering participants the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals, mentors, and experts in the field. This exposure not only boosts their technical competencies but also enhances their employability in an increasingly tech-driven world.”

One of the co-founders, Akinboro said the objective of The 234 AI Hackathon Games was to equip Nigerian youths in tertiary institutions with concrete knowledge of AI and test how effectively they could use it to solve real-world problems.

“These are skills needed to make real impacts in the tech world. In less than 120 minutes, they were able to build actual products using AI as a tool.  Nigeria needs innovators that will solve our indigenous problems. I believe we are on track with these creative young minds,” Akinboro added.

Speaking on the theme: “Leveraging AI for Social Impact,” co-founder, Mobolaji Sokunbi, urged the youths to stay engaged and make use of resources, communities, and support systems for continued learning and collaboration.

The expert said AI enables data-driven decision-making, which can analyse vast data sets in areas like health, education, and environment.

“AI drives creative solutions to social problems. It can analyse vast data sets to help in areas like health, education, and environment. Make use of it. Be innovative and think of AI solutions for social issues. Be a change maker and contribute to making a positive impact. Be change-makers and contribute to making a positive impact,” Sokunbi said.