A Nigerian researcher has developed a mobile-friendly artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of identifying all eight denominations of the Nigerian naira, a breakthrough aimed at improving financial accessibility nationwide.
Maryam Alka, a PhD researcher in Applied Mathematics at the University of Birmingham, designed the tool to recognise ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1000 banknotes. The system is free and accessible online, and has been optimised for use on mobile devices commonly available in Nigeria.
The innovation is built to function effectively under real-world conditions, including low-light environments and when banknotes are worn, torn or folded. It can also accurately detect notes placed against complex backgrounds, a common challenge in everyday transactions.
Alka said the project was motivated by the need to make financial interactions more inclusive. “This tool is designed to work in practical, everyday situations where perfect conditions cannot be guaranteed,” she said. “It is particularly important for users who are visually impaired or non-literate, enabling them to identify currency independently and with confidence.”
The system relies on machine learning and image recognition techniques to analyse distinct features of each denomination. By focusing on efficiency and lightweight performance, the tool can run smoothly on standard smartphones without requiring advanced hardware.
Experts say the development reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s research community to apply AI solutions to local challenges. The tool’s potential extends beyond accessibility, with possible applications in reducing human error and improving cash-handling processes.
Other related research in Nigeria includes work by Sochukwuma Nwokoye and Desmond Moru, who have explored neural network-based currency recognition, as well as studies by Ogbuju and colleagues on counterfeit naira detection, documented in academic publications.
Alka noted that the system remains open to further improvement. “We are continuing to refine the model to make it more robust and widely usable,” she said. “Our aim is to ensure that this technology can serve as a reliable, everyday solution for people across different communities.”
The development highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in advancing inclusive technology and addressing practical challenges within Nigeria’s financial landscape.
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