08. January 2026
Admin
FG to Launch First National AI Centre of Excellence
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to establish the country’s first National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, marking a major step in strengthening local AI research, innovation, skills development, and policy engagement.
Quick Insight:
Positioned at a leading university, the new AI centre will serve as a national hub to drive inclusive AI research and ensure Nigeria plays a leading role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
A Strategic National Initiative
• The Centre of Excellence will support advanced AI research, nurture homegrown talent, and foster innovation tailored to Nigeria’s realities.
• It is designed to position Nigeria as a major contributor to the global AI ecosystem rather than a passive observer.
• The initiative demonstrates a commitment to creating a robust infrastructure for AI development and collaboration.
Focus on Inclusive and Contextual AI
• The AI hub will emphasize building systems grounded in local languages, cultures, and social contexts.
• This approach ensures AI solutions understand and serve Nigerian communities effectively.
• The centre also supports national goals of fostering data science leadership and reducing overreliance on foreign technologies and models.
Bridging Academia and Innovation
• Hosting the centre at a university creates a strategic link between academic research and practical industry application.
• Universities will play a leading role in generating inclusive datasets and driving foundational machine learning research.
• This synergy strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to generate talent, attract partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to AI advancements worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s move to launch a National AI Centre of Excellence underscores the country’s ambitions to be at the forefront of digital transformation in Africa. By focusing on inclusive research, contextual intelligence, and academic innovation, the initiative lays the groundwork for a future where Nigeria not only adopts AI but shapes its development for local and global impact.
