Experts Urge Nigeria, African Nations to Harness AI and Robotics for Regional Development
Technology experts have called on Nigeria and other African countries to fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other emerging technologies to accelerate inclusive regional development. The call was made during the fifth edition of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (ICAIR 2025), hosted at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which brought together over 900 delegates from more than 20 countries across four continents. The three-day event, themed “Building Sustainable AI-Driven Transformation Infrastructures for African Economies,” ended yesterday and emphasized the continent’s urgent need for technology-driven growth.
Chairman of the Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG), Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, highlighted that Africa’s progress depends on how effectively it can harness AI for local impact. He stressed the importance of collaboration among researchers, governments, and innovators to bridge the technological divide. Similarly, Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo, Head of UNILAG’s Department of Computer Sciences, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to advancing AI education and research, while Prof. Phillips Adewole, Dean of Computing and Informatics, urged for sustainable digital infrastructures aligned with Africa’s development needs.
In her remarks, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, reiterated the institution’s leadership in promoting multidisciplinary innovation and research. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who served as Special Guest of Honour, described the conference as a critical driver of Africa’s digital transformation. Likewise, National Director of NCAIR, Dr. Bunmi Ajala, underscored the need for an ethical and inclusive national AI framework that reflects Nigeria’s social and economic realities.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, outlined Lagos’ strategy to become a hub for AI-driven growth through public-private partnerships and youth-focused innovation programs. The discussions across the sessions pointed toward a shared goal—creating a future where AI and robotics empower African economies through homegrown solutions, education, and sustainable innovation.
In a related development, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and UNILAG Vice Chancellor Prof. Ogunsola commended Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his exceptional contributions to education and leadership. Speaking during a book presentation and public lecture in his honour at UNILAG, they described Diri’s governance as visionary and people-centered. Diri, in response, said the recognition would inspire his administration to deepen its reforms and strengthen the state’s commitment to knowledge-based development.
source: The Guardian