Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is able to lead Africa in harnessing Synthetic Intelligence to unlock new pathways for {economic} prosperity.
Talking on the launch of the AI College Innovation Pod (UniPod) at College of Lagos in Lagos, Shettima emphasised that Nigeria should not stay passive within the evolving AI period.
Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Vice President mentioned AI has turn into a transformative know-how able to increasing human potential and driving innovation throughout sectors akin to agriculture, well being, schooling, and finance.
He pressured the necessity for Nigeria to construct sturdy digital foundations that allow innovators, companies, and authorities establishments to develop options tailor-made to native challenges.
In response to him, the nation’s aim is to transition from being a client of imported applied sciences to a producer of information, innovation, and scalable options.
“Our investments in digital public infrastructure and innovation ecosystems level to a singular aim—to make Nigeria a frontrunner in AI-driven growth,” he mentioned.
Shettima famous that initiatives just like the UniPod mirror a broader shift within the position of universities as centres for innovation, enterprise, and nationwide growth.
He recommended companions together with the United Nations Growth Programme (UNDP), Tertiary Schooling Belief Fund (TETFUND), and the Lagos State Authorities for supporting the initiative.
UNDP Resident Consultant Elsie Attafuah mentioned the UniPod would join expertise to alternative and place Nigeria for long-term competitiveness and inclusive development.
She added that the initiative ensures younger Nigerians should not solely ready for the long run however actively shaping it.
By Deji Elumoye
Times Nigeria