Nigeria must position itself at the forefront of emerging technology — Baba-Ahmed

Former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 General election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday, stressed the need for Nigeria to position itself at the forefront of emerging technology and its applications.

Senator Baba-Ahmed who doubles as Chancellor of Baze University, gave the charge in Abuja during the 4th Gilbert Onyemaelu Leadership and Diversity (Gold) public lecture with the theme: ‘Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria’.

He in words, “As you may know, I am an entrepreneur, but with emphasis, an Eduprenuer. I therefore appreciate the relationship between education and the economic fortunes of any nation, including Nigeria. And in this day and age, you cannot talk about education without giving prominence to AI – Artificial Intelligence.”

“On a personal note, for us at Baze University, the Teaching Hospital, and indeed Hakeem Baba-Ahmed University, technology and infact AI, is gradually becoming an integral part of our curriculum, teaching methods, and even our way of life.”

“On a parting note, I am encouraged by these efforts at positioning our nation, our youths, at the forefront of emerging technology and its applications. There is still hope for this nation, promise for the youth,” he noted.

While delivering the keynote address, Dean, Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David-West harped on the need to leverage on practical applications of AI with a view to impacting multiple sectors.

While emphasising the imperatives of achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity, he said: “Our choice at AEO Foundation is to be advocates for the achievement the United Nation’s Strategic Development Goal (SDG) number one – No poverty. Poverty is arguably the most significant problem of the world today.

“According to World Bank data, as of 2024, there are about 695 million people in the world living in extreme poverty with about 556 million people (80%) of that coming from Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria accounts for about 105.64 million (19%) of those numbers.

“These numbers are staggering. It is not surprising, therefore, that the UN number one SDG aims to ‘End poverty in all its forms everywhere.’ According to UN, eradicating poverty is not a task of charity but an act of justice and the key to unlocking an enormous human potential.

While noting that AI is reshaping industries, unlocking new opportunities across the world, he tasked Nigeria to assume the driver’s seat rather than act as “passengers watching the world change, or will we be drivers steering that change to lift our people out of poverty?

On his part, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kachifu Abdullahi, enlightened the audience on government initiatives on AI including the launch of the National AI Strategy (NAIS).

Also speaking, Managing Director, Ingryd Academy, Khadijat Abdukadir, threw light into the multi-dimensions of AI and poverty alleviation.

The Chairman of Flexip Group, Engineer Rex Mafiana called for entrepreneurial engagement of citizens while leveraging on AI to achieve poverty reduction.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen advocated for rural impact of AI to tackle poverty.

Also speaking, the Director of Compliance Institute, Dr Wence Nwoga expressed the need for the use of data as a critical component in achieving poverty eradication.

The President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, explained how AI can leverage on infrastructure for a prosperous and economically viable society.

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