AI in Nigeria plans to collaborate with the Plateau State Government to train 20,000 individuals in AI-related skills, Dotun Adeoye, AI in Nigeria co-founder has told attendees at the “Wetin be AI sef?” conference in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The two-day “Wetin be AI sef?” conference, which commenced today in Ibadan, brings together industry experts and thought leaders to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors in Africa.
Among the speakers was Mr. Dotun Adeoye, co-founder of AI in Nigeria, who delivered a presentation titled “Adopting AI in Nigeria” focused on ongoing efforts to integrate AI into different sectors, and the collaborative initiatives being undertaken to foster AI adoption across the country.
Adeoye also emphasises the importance of educating policymakers about AI’s capabilities and its potential applications in governance. He announced plans for a dedicated forum where policymakers and commissioners can learn about AI’s implications and how it can be integrated into public policy. The initiative aims to ensure that decision-makers possess a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential benefits and challenges.
During his session, Adeoye outlines a significant upcoming project: in the second quarter of 2025. AI in Nigeria plans to collaborate with the Plateau State Commissioner for Science and Technology to train 20,000 individuals in AI-related skills. This initiative aims to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to leverage AI technology effectively.
Adeoye also emphasises the importance of educating policymakers about AI’s capabilities and its potential applications in governance. He announced plans for a dedicated forum where policymakers and commissioners can learn about AI’s implications and how it can be integrated into public policy. The initiative aims to ensure that decision-makers possess a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential benefits and challenges.
Highlighting the organisation’s commitment to community engagement, Adeoye discusses ongoing training programmes focused on prompt engineering—an essential skill that involves crafting effective prompts for AI tools to yield accurate responses.
These training sessions, he says, have been conducted physically in major cities such as Lagos, Owerri, and Abuja, with an impressive turnout of over 200 participants when offered online.
Moreover, Adeoye states that AI in Nigeria has been supporting startups by providing solutions tailored to local needs. He pointed out that fintech companies have successfully integrated AI into their operations to enhance service delivery and customer experience.
Adeoye urges the conference attendees to approach the excitement surrounding AI from an informed perspective. He underscores the necessity for Nigeria to build, adapt, and create its own AI solutions rather than solely relying on imported technologies.
He proposed several innovative ideas for locally developed AI tools that could address specific Nigerian challenges:
- Fact-checking tools: To combat misinformation during election periods.
- Language translation tools: To facilitate communication between diverse linguistic groups within Nigeria.
- Scholarship opportunity platforms: To inform students about both national and international scholarship options.
Adeoye’s call for local innovation reflects a broader trend among African nations seeking to harness technology for socio-economic development. As countries like Nigeria strive for digital transformation, there is a growing recognition of the need for homegrown solutions that cater specifically to local contexts.
By engaging experts from diverse fields and emphasising local solutions, the conference aims to empower participants with knowledge and tools necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of technology.
The two-day event aims to highlight AI’s potential to drive economic growth and enhance various industries, including business, journalism, e-commerce, education, and creative fields.
Invited speakers at the conference addressed a broad range of topics related to AI, emphasizing its significance in economic empowerment, investment strategies, and innovative applications.
As discussions continue over the next day, attendees are encouraged to collaborate on innovative ideas that could further enhance Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI adoption within Africa. The insights shared at this conference could pave the way for impactful developments that not only drive economic growth but also improve the quality of life for millions across the continent, according to organisers.
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