The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it is in talks with the Commonwealth of Nations to enroll Nigerians into the AI Academy to drive innovation in several sectors of the economy.
The announcement was made on Monday, September 30, 2024 by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, via X-Page.
The deliberations came as a result of high-level talks with Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Scotland, during the recently concluded 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
AI as a tool to drive Nigeria’s economy
Nnaji disclosed that he had discussed launching and involving Nigerians in an ambitious AI training initiative through the Intel-backed Commonwealth AI Academy.
“This program will equip millions of Nigerians, especially youth and women, with industry-ready AI skills,” he said.
He said the initiative, which follows Nigeria’s engagement, puts the country at the forefront of AI adoption and has the potential to transform key sectors such as governance, healthcare and agriculture through capacity building.
“The AI Academy, part of the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium, offers specialized courses such as AI for the public sector and AI for youth, driving innovation and building a skilled workforce capable of addressing global challenges. We will support you,” he said.
Mr. Nnaji reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to integrating technology into climate action, particularly in sustainable agriculture.
He added that collaboration with the Commonwealth would further strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in the use of technology for sustainable development and climate resilience.
“Through technologies such as enhanced rock weathering (ERW) and biochar, we are improving soil health and aligning with global climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
He added: “We are eager to see Nigeria come forward with innovative and technology-driven solutions to the climate change challenge in the lead-up to COP29.”
Further information
The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support member states and take far-reaching actions that aim to empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people under the age of 30. It’s part of the plan. , Nigeria is also part of it.
As disclosed on the Commonwealth’s website, CAIC includes global technology companies, world-leading research institutions, non-profit organizations, and at least six Commonwealth countries who have come forward to champion AI innovation. and convened its first steering committee. A meeting to be held on the edge of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in 2023.
“The Steering Committee has agreed a strong action plan aimed at building capacity to use AI in Member States to benefit from global innovations such as cloud computing and generative AI.
“Increased use of technology is believed to lead to economic growth, sustainability, improved health outcomes and job creation.
“This includes a framework to plan how different organizations and groups will contribute to delivery, and a four-tier framework to drive action in the core areas of policy, capacity building, data and infrastructure, and research and innovation. “This includes the establishment of two working groups,” the federal statement reads in part.
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