FG to integrate Nigerians into Commonwealth of Nations AI academy

• Published On: 01 October 2024 at 20:20

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it is in talks with the Commonwealth of Nations about integrating Nigerians into its Artificial Intelligence Academy.

This initiative aims to promote innovation in various sectors of the economy, preparing Nigeria to leverage advanced technologies for economic growth and development.

On Monday, Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, issued a statement via his X page.

The discussions arose from high-level meetings between Nigerian officials and Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, held on the sidelines of the recently concluded 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

These discussions demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to using technology and innovation as part of its economic strategy.

Nnaji confirmed that the discussions centred on launching an initiative to enrol Nigerians in the ambitious AI training program offered by the Commonwealth AI Academy, which is powered by Intel.

According to him, "this program will equip millions of Nigerians, particularly our youth and women, with industry-ready AI skills."

He stated that Nigeria's participation in this initiative will put the country on the cutting edge of AI adoption, with the potential to transform key sectors such as governance, healthcare, and agriculture through targeted capacity building.

"The AI Academy, which is part of the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium, will offer specialised courses such as AI for the public sector and AI for youth, helping us build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and addressing global challenges," he told me.

Nnaji reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to incorporating technology into climate action, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture.

He added that working with the Commonwealth will strengthen Nigeria's leadership in using technology for sustainable development and climate resilience.

"Using techniques such as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) and biochar, we are improving soil health and aligning with the Paris Agreement's global climate goals."

"I am eager for Nigeria to present innovative, tech-driven solutions to climate challenges as we look towards COP29," he commented.

The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium is an important component of a larger action plan aimed at leveraging the power of AI tools to help member states.

This initiative aims to empower the Commonwealth's 1.5 billion young people under the age of 30, providing them with the skills and resources needed to drive innovation and address contemporary challenges in their communities.