The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has declared that Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead Africa in the unfolding Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, underscoring the country’s commitment to building a homegrown innovation network and digital infrastructure.
Speaking recently at the launch of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos. Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described AI as “humanity’s most powerful general-purpose technology,” capable of transforming economic, social, and technological landscapes if deployed responsibly and inclusively.
“I believe Nigeria is prepared to lead the whole African continent in this endeavour,” Shettima said, highlighting that recent investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and responsible AI governance are shifting Nigeria from being a consumer of imported technologies to becoming a producer of knowledge, innovation and scalable solutions.”
The Vice President emphasised the urgency for Nigeria not to remain passive in the competitive global AI race. “Whether in agriculture, health, education, or finance, AI has the power to unlock new pathways for prosperity,” he said, adding that such benefits will only materialise in systems that are “inclusive, equitable and rooted in our values.”
The UniPod initiative, launched in collaboration with key partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Lagos State Government and the University of Lagos, is designed to transform universities from traditional teaching institutions into innovation and enterprise hubs where students, researchers, and industry experts collaborate.
“Projects like this UniPod are an integral part of that delivery architecture where students, researchers, and industry practitioners collaborate to build solutions that respond directly to real economic needs,” Shettima added.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, described the UniPod as “a significant moment” that connects “knowledge to opportunity, innovation to enterprise, and talent to national prosperity,” positioning Nigeria not merely as a participant but as a leader in long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth.
The Federal Government’s AI strategy aligns with broader national efforts to scale digital skills and technology development, a key plank in plans to enhance economic growth and employment through innovation.
Analysts say Nigeria’s youth population and expanding tech ecosystem -paired with government-backed initiatives like UniPods- could provide leverage for the country to shape not just national but continental AI policy and development trajectories. However, they note that addressing infrastructure and skills gaps remains vital to sustaining the momentum.
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