Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, unveiled Nigeria’s ambitious plans to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for national development during the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2023 in Lagos.
He announced that the Ministry had identified over 6,000 AI researchers of Nigerian descent located across the globe, marking a pivotal step toward positioning Nigeria as a global leader in AI technology.
Highlighting the significance of these researchers, Tijani emphasized their integral role in driving Nigeria’s strategic initiative to integrate AI across various sectors, ultimately fostering job creation and economic growth.
The Minister had earlier put out a call on Twitter, urging Nigerians to recommend AI researchers of Nigerian origin to contribute to the development of a National AI Strategy.
Explaining the methodology behind identifying these researchers, Tijani described the Ministry’s proactive approach. Utilizing AI technology, they scanned through academic publications globally, leveraging a library of Nigerian names to identify researchers of Nigerian descent working in AI. This resulted in the discovery of over 6,000 highly skilled Nigerian AI experts contributing significantly to the field.
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Tijani outlined the government’s multifaceted approach to AI development, with a focus on nurturing a skilled AI workforce in Nigeria. The Ministry is actively supporting companies prioritizing the creation of local AI jobs. Additionally, the government plans to unveil 45 startups selected for empowerment under the AI Research Scheme by year-end. Each of these startups and researchers focusing on AI will receive a grant of N5 million, fostering innovation and development in the AI space.
Moreover, the Ministry is committed to deploying AI strategically to enhance productivity across sectors by leveraging smart infrastructure.
The Minister’s announcement signals a concerted effort by the Nigerian government to tap into the potential of AI technology and harness the expertise of Nigerian talent worldwide, fostering innovation, job creation, and positioning Nigeria as a prominent player in the global AI landscape.
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