Nigeria is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in its latest drive to fight poverty and expand digital empowerment, with plans underway for a new innovation hub targeting children, youth and women.
The proposal was tabled on Monday when the Federal Government–Technical Working Group (FG-TWG) on Sustainable Development and Safety Net visited Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in Abuja.
Dr. M.A. Ibrahim, Executive Director and Project Coordinator of the FG-TWG, says the initiative — to be known as the Senator Oluremi Tinubu AI and Robotics Centre — is conceived as a “world-class incubation centre” that will nurture exceptionally gifted Nigerians while placing the country on the global map of emerging technologies.
The centre is expected to be hosted at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), enabling it to leverage the university’s nationwide e-learning infrastructure to reach beneficiaries across the country.
“AI and emerging technology are empowering technologies. AI is the in-thing in every field and a veritable employer of labour across the globe,” Dr. Ibrahim says.
Innovation with a social focus
The centre is expected to be hosted at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), enabling it to leverage the university’s nationwide e-learning infrastructure to reach beneficiaries across the country.
Named after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the project reflects her advocacy for human development and empowerment programmes targeting vulnerable groups. Development partners include NOUN, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and other stakeholders, with a 13-member technical working group overseeing implementation.
Dr. Sununu commends the proposal and pledged the ministry’s support, saying it aligns with government’s broader poverty reduction agenda.
Sustainability questions remain
Despite its promise, the project faces familiar questions around funding, sustainability, and nationwide impact — challenges that have hindered previous government-backed innovation centres.
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