Author: Michael O Oke

Nigerian businesses face mounting pressure to deliver exceptional customer service whilst managing operational costs. The explosion of e-commerce, fintech, and digital services across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt has created unprecedented demand for responsive, reliable customer support. Traditional customer service models struggle to keep pace with customer expectations shaped by global digital experiences. Artificial intelligence presents a transformative solution through AI-powered chatbots that promise instant responses, unlimited availability, and significant cost reductions. Yet human agents remain irreplaceable for complex issues requiring empathy, cultural understanding, and nuanced problem-solving. The question facing Nigerian business leaders isn’t whether to adopt AI for customer…

Google has officially unveiled Nano Banana 2 (Gemini 3.1 Flash Image), its latest state-of-the-art AI image model, promising faster generation speeds, sharper outputs and more accessible creative tools for users worldwide. The launch marks a significant step forward in AI-powered image creation, with Nano Banana 2 designed to deliver high-quality visuals in a fraction of the time compared to previous iterations. Built on the Gemini 3.1 Flash Image architecture, the model blends rapid processing with enhanced detail, positioning it as one of Google’s most advanced image generation systems to date. Faster AI Image Generation Speed appears to be at the…

LG Electronics is accelerating the rollout of its AI-enabled smart home ecosystem across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), showcasing cutting-edge connected living technologies first at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA in Abu Dhabi and subsequently at the Mega HORECA 2026 exhibition in Nigeria. At the InnoFest event in Abu Dhabi, LG presented a broad portfolio of AI-driven home innovations tailored for regional markets under its “Zero Labour Home” vision, a seamless smart ecosystem where appliances and devices communicate intelligently to simplify daily life. The lineup included advanced kitchen appliances, AI-optimised laundry systems, adaptive refrigerators and premium TVs with enhanced personalisation…

In a move set to redefine the intersection of academia and digital policy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Wigwe University have progressed into high-level discussions to form a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to pioneer localised Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and drive agricultural innovation nationwide. The talks, held at the NITDA headquarters in Abuja, signalled a shared vision between the federal government and the private institution to move Nigeria from a consumer of foreign tech to a global producer of indigenous solutions. Building “The Nigerian AI” A central theme of the dialogue, led by the Vice-Chancellor of…

As countries race to build digitally skilled workforces, the question arises: should Nigeria introduce free AI training for all adults, similar to the UK model? With rising youth unemployment, rapid digital transformation and increasing global competition, this debate could not be more timely. The UK’s Approach to Free AI Training The United Kingdom has taken significant steps to expand access to digital and AI skills. Through government-backed initiatives such as the Skills for Life programme, partnerships with universities and online training providers, and national digital strategies, adults across the country can access subsidised or free AI and data skills courses.…

A new cybersecurity report warns that passwords generated by artificial intelligence tools may be significantly less secure than users assume, raising fresh concerns about digital safety amid rapid AI adoption. The findings were released by Irregular, an AI-focused cybersecurity firm that analysed how large language models generate passwords. According to the company, many AI-created passwords follow predictable structural patterns, making them more vulnerable to cracking than truly random alternatives. The study examined passwords generated by widely used AI systems and found that, although they often appear complex, they frequently rely on familiar formatting conventions. These include capitalising the first letter…

Among the most discussed developments is OpenAI Prism, a framework associated with the broader OpenAI ecosystem. For Nigerian developers, AI founders, academic researchers, and tech policy stakeholders, understanding what Prism represents is not just an exercise in trend-watching. It is a strategic necessity. This article examines five key takeaways about OpenAI Prism, focusing on its technical implications, research relevance, developer opportunities, and implications for Nigeria’s growing AI ecosystem. Understanding OpenAI Prism in Context Before analysing the key takeaways, it is important to situate Prism within the larger AI landscape. OpenAI has consistently positioned itself at the frontier of large language…

Canada and Germany have signed a joint declaration of intent on artificial intelligence (AI) and announced the launch of a new Sovereign Technology Alliance to deepen bilateral cooperation on advanced technologies, officials said on 14 February 2026. The agreement was finalised on the margins of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, signalling a strategic commitment by both countries to collaborate on AI research, infrastructure, skills development and secure technology ecosystems. The declaration was signed by Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Karsten Wildberger, Germany’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation. The leaders said the agreement builds on…

India has emerged as OpenAI’s second-largest user base worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. The update was confirmed by Sam Altman, who disclosed that India now accounts for approximately 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, placing it behind only the United States in overall usage. The announcement underscores India’s growing influence in the global AI ecosystem and highlights the country’s accelerating embrace of generative AI tools across sectors, including education, business, software development and content creation. Rapid Growth in AI Adoption The surge in usage reflects the increasing popularity of ChatGPT among…

The Borno State Government has officially commenced a targeted Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training programme designed to equip young people and secondary school students with in‑demand digital competencies that can enhance their future employability and economic prospects. The initiative, launched as an AI boot camp, is one of the latest steps the state has taken to prepare youth for opportunities in the evolving digital economy. According to reports, the programme will provide hands‑on instruction in AI fundamentals and related digital tools, enabling participants to gain practical experience that could improve their chances of securing work in technology‑driven industries. The boot…