The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Initiative (NAIS) recently launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the field of AI. The committee which was set up by the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, comprising AI experts drawn from both the public and private sectors, AI enthusiasts, and researchers from Nigeria and around the world, worked tirelessly over four days, April 15-18, to develop a framework and a roadmap for advancing AI in Nigeria.
The nouvelle style of the assemblage of critical stakeholders that cuts across multidisciplinary sectors to map out the way forward for the all important and positively disruptive AI, is a noteworthy achievement, for which the President Bola Tinubu administration should really be applauded and commended. It also emphasizes the importance of the NAIS initiative, its potential impact on Nigeria’s AI landscape, and the role that it would play in bridging the gap between academia and industry, in terms of research, prototype and commercialization of results that emanate from research.
The primary objective of the NAIS is to launch Nigeria within the short to medium term from being a leading African nation in AI to a globally recognized powerhouse in the field. By bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, research institutions, and industry players, the initiative creates a collaborative platform for fostering innovation and driving AI adoption across various sectors in Nigeria. With participants drawn by the Dr Bosun Tijani-led Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy from countries such as Australia, China, the UK, the USA, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the reports of the NAIS Committee should serve as a melting pot of ideas and expertise, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in AI research and development in Nigeria.
One of the key strengths of the NAIS Committee work was its ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry. By fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and industry professionals, the initiative facilitated the seamless transfer and sharing of knowledge and expertise, amongst its members, leading to the development of practical solutions that address real-world challenges. This synergy between academia and industry not only accelerates the pace of innovation but also ensures that AI technologies are effectively leveraged to drive economic growth and social development in Nigeria.
Moreover, the involvement of renowned organizations such as the Lagos Business School, and Data Science Nigeria as Facilitators and some of Nigeria’s international development partners like the UNDP, Luminate, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta underscores the significance of the NAIS initiative on a global scale. The support and collaboration of these entities not only lend credibility to the initiative but also provided some of the necessary resources and expertise that are expected to drive its successful implementation.
On a summarizing note, the reports of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee, if well implemented would be a game- changer and represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest to establish itself as a prominent player in the global AI landscape. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, leveraging international partnerships, and harnessing the collective expertise of AI enthusiasts from around the world, the NAIS sets the stage for transformative advancements in AI research, innovation, and adoption. As the government commits to implementing the recommendations put forth by the brilliant and patriotic participants, named “The AI Avengers,” by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria is poised to embark on a journey towards AI excellence that will not only benefit the country but also contribute to the broader global AI ecosystem.
In a nutshell, Nigeria, and indeed Africa, cannot afford to be excluded from this imminent 4th Industrial Revolution that is now stirring us all in our faces. We must earn our place at the table of the world’s artificial intelligence giants.
NB: Sonny Iroche-Nigeria’s AI Avenger
•2022/2023 Senior Academic Fellow.
African Studies Centre. University of Oxford. UK
•Post Graduate Studies. Saïd Business School. University of Oxford. UK
