The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic
excellence and technological leadership by becoming the first African university to host an
OpenAI Academy. A landmark initiative that positions the institution at the heart of the
continent’s artificial intelligence (AI) transformation.
In October 2025, OpenAI, the organisation behind world-leading AI technologies such as
ChatGPT formally selected UNILAG to establish the first African chapter of its global Academy
during the university’s 5th International Week.
The event, themed “Equitable Partnerships and The Future of AI in Africa, brought together scholars, innovators, policymakers and students, emphasising the vital role universities play in shaping the future of technology.
A Strategic Partnership for Inclusive AI Education
The collaboration between UNILAG and OpenAI marks a significant milestone in Africa’s digital
education landscape. By hosting the Academy, UNILAG offers a specialised platform for AI
capacity building, research, and skills training tailored to the needs of Nigerian and African
learners. The Academy provides participants – including students, researchers and
professionals – with access to the world-class resources, workshops and practical learning
opportunities designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world
application.
The Academy’s main feature is its commitment to accessibility. Unlike many traditional
programme that may be cost-prohibitive, this initiative emphasises inclusive participation,
enabling learners from diverse backgrounds to explore the transformative potential of AI
technologies in Nigeria.
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Elevating UNILAG’s Global Status
Hosting the OpenAI Academy reinforces UNILAG’s reputation as a leading innovation and
research hub on the African continent.
The decision by OpenAI to base its inaugural African
Academy in Lagos reflects confidence in the university’s capacity to nurture talent, drive
meaningful research and acts as a gateway for international collaboration.
UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor and university leaders have articulated a clear vision through this
partnership: Africa should not be a passive consumer of technology, but an active creator and
contributor to global AI progress.
By fostering a culture of innovation rooted in African
contexts, the Academy will support the development of solutions to local and continental
challenges across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and governance.
The launch of the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG resonates far beyond the university’s campus. It
signals a new era in which African higher education institutions can partner with global
technology leaders to democratise access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools. The Academy
also underscores the importance of multistakeholder collaboration -including governments,
industry and academia – to craft an ecosystem where innovation thrives and equitable
Opportunities are available to all.
For many students and young professionals across the continent, this initiative opens doors to
skills that were once the preserve of a few. It cultivates next-generation thinkers and
problem-solvers who will shape Africa’s contribution to the global AI economy.
Looking Ahead
As the AI revolution continues to accelerate, UNILAG’s role as the host of Africa’s first OpenAI The
Academy sets a precedent for universities across the continent. It affirms that African
institutions can lead in technological education, attract global partnerships and empower local
talent with the tools and expertise required for the 21st century.
In doing so, UNILAG not only strengthens its position as a premier centre for innovation in
Africa, but also contributes to a broader narrative which Africa is ready to redefine its own
future in the age of artificial intelligence.
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news outlets, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.