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Nigeria is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu moves to establish the country’s first-ever National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence—a landmark initiative set to redefine the nation’s technological destiny.
The bold move signals a decisive shift from technology consumption to innovation leadership, with the Federal Government aiming to make Nigeria a creator, exporter, and hub of cutting-edge digital solutions. Officials say the Centre will anchor advanced research, data development, and experimentation, reducing dependence on foreign technology ecosystems while delivering AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs in security, healthcare, governance, and the economy.
At the heart of the initiative is a drive to build local capacity. By creating a structured environment for high-level research, the Tinubu administration is laying a foundation for homegrown innovation that aligns with its broader vision of productivity, resilience, and long-term economic growth.
The Centre is also expected to ignite a talent revolution. Through strategic partnerships with universities, private sector players, and global technology institutions, it will nurture a new generation of Nigerian data scientists, engineers, and AI researchers. This bridge between academia and industry is projected to boost research quality, retain top talent, and slow the tide of brain drain by creating world-class opportunities at home.
Beyond skills and research, the economic implications are significant. The AI Centre of Excellence is poised to support startups, attract foreign direct investment, and accelerate diversification beyond oil—positioning artificial intelligence as a powerful engine for job creation and sustainable growth.
As artificial intelligence increasingly defines global competitiveness, Nigeria’s entry into the AI big league marks a turning point. With this initiative, the Tinubu administration is sending a clear message: Nigeria is not waiting for the future—it is building it, determined to emerge as a continental leader in research, innovation, and digital transformation.
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