Author: Okikiola O. Johnson

Surgeons in the United Kingdom have used an artificial intelligence-powered tool during a live operation for the first time, a development that experts say could mark the beginning of a new chapter in modern healthcare. The breakthrough procedure saw medical professionals employ advanced AI technology to assist with decision-making and surgical planning during an operation, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in clinical settings. Healthcare leaders said the technology has the potential to improve precision, support surgeons during complex procedures and enhance patient outcomes. While AI has already been used in areas such as diagnostics, medical imaging and administrative…

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, governance, and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in law enforcement through its Second AI-POL Leadership Dialogue Workshop held on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The workshop brought together senior police officers, technology experts, and international development partners to develop strategies for integrating AI into modern policing operations and strengthening intelligence-led security systems across the country. According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Placid, discussions focused on building institutional capacity for AI adoption while ensuring alignment with…

Israel has pledged to deepen its artificial intelligence collaboration with Nigeria through expanded knowledge transfer, startup support, and framework development, following a four-day AI-focused bootcamp organised by Innov8 Hub in Abuja. The programme, themed “From Ideas to Impact: Building AI-Enabled Ventures for the Future,” brought together young Nigerian researchers, innovators, and startup founders working on emerging technologies across multiple sectors of the economy. Speaking at the event, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michael Freeman, said Israel is pursuing an ambitious national strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and is committed to sharing its expertise with partner countries,…

Hundreds of secondary school students across Lagos State have benefited from a targeted digital empowerment programme aimed at building competencies in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and foundational technology skills under the “TechUp Boys” initiative. The programme, implemented by the LEARNTOR Foundation in partnership with the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), is designed to bridge the growing digital skills gap among adolescent boys in public schools while preparing them for opportunities in the evolving global technology economy. Organisers say the training focuses on practical skills, including Microsoft Excel, SQL-based data analytics, introductory artificial intelligence concepts, and leadership development.…

The Enugu State Government has sent a high-level delegation from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to Qatar for a study visit focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation systems, and experiential learning models to strengthen technology-driven education in Nigeria. The delegation, led by the ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michael Okolie, is currently undertaking institutional engagements in Doha to examine how leading education systems integrate AI, robotics, data science, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies into teaching, research, and innovation processes. The visit forms part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader education reform agenda, which seeks to reposition Enugu State’s tertiary…

Ekiti State University (EKSU) has commissioned a ₦1 billion AI-driven ICT Experience Centre, in a move aimed at strengthening digital learning infrastructure and expanding access to technology-based education within the institution. The centre, unveiled on campus, is designed to support ICT-enabled learning, digital innovation, and practical technology training for students and academic staff across disciplines. University authorities say the facility is part of ongoing efforts to modernise teaching and learning processes and align academic delivery with global digital education standards. Related:  AI-Enabled Learning and the New Normal in Nigerian Higher Education Institutions Anambra ICT Agency Aims for Nigeria’s First Fully…

A stark digital divide is opening up across the African continent. New data published by Microsoft reveals that South Africa has surged significantly ahead of regional economic heavyweights Nigeria and Kenya in artificial intelligence adoption. According to the latest figures released in the Microsoft Global AI Diffusion in Q1 2026 Report, South Africa has secured its spot as the continental frontrunner. It recorded a 23.1% generative AI adoption rate among its working-age population. By contrast, Nigeria tracks much further behind at 10.1%, while Kenya registers at just 7.8%. The Continental Leaderboard The metrics, compiled by Microsoft’s specialised AI Economy Institute,…

The Federal University Lokoja has confirmed the establishment of a ₦3 billion Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Centre of Excellence focused on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Sciences, as part of efforts to strengthen research capacity and digital innovation in the institution. The development, which is being highlighted within the Vice-Chancellor’s first 100 days in office report, reflects ongoing progress in implementing strategic academic and technological projects aimed at repositioning the university as a hub for emerging technologies in Nigeria. According to official university communications, the intervention was approved through a TETFund special allocation and is intended to support advanced…

Google has released new research showing that its Gemini artificial intelligence tools are delivering measurable improvements in student learning outcomes and helping teachers personalise education more effectively. The findings were published in a new report titled “Measuring the impact of AI on teaching and learning,” where Google detailed the results of education studies conducted in countries including Sierra Leone and Italy. The company said the studies focused on how AI-powered guided learning systems can improve maths performance, student engagement, and teachers’ lesson preparation. According to Google, one of the studies found that 69% of students using Guided Learning with Gemini…

Nigeria has officially launched “GovGuide Nigeria,” a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help citizens access government information and public services through conversational AI. The initiative marks one of the country’s most ambitious deployments of AI within the public sector to date. The platform was developed through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Meta, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and Nigerian technology company Publica AI. According to government officials, the chatbot is intended to simplify the way Nigerians interact with ministries, departments, and agencies by providing faster, easier access to…