According to computer science scholars, the call for researchers of Nigerian descent to co-create a National AI will lead to economic development.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, called on top researchers of Nigerian descent from around the world to join in co-creating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in a report released on Monday.
Tijani stated that Nigeria needed to create a national strategy to harness the power of AI for long-term prosperity.
According to a document titled ‘Co-creating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria,’ which he shared on his X handle on Monday, Al had evolved into a multi-purpose technology that was transforming production and service delivery and had the potential to significantly impact economic growth and social progress.
Prof. Olumide Obe of the Computer Science Department, School of Computing, Federal University of Technology, Akure, told our correspondent that collaboration between researchers and industry would result in overall development.
“It is the way to go,” he said. “I know that the National Information Technology Development Agency has an arm that is into AI and robotics, but what he is saying is that it should not be limited to NITDA alone, but all researchers in the field of ICT should come together and create the national AI strategy.” We will see the convergence of AI researchers and developers, which will result in rapid growth in our economy and industry.
“There should be a crossbreeding between academia and industry, that is, we try to use research output to improve industry development and the academic environment.”
He bemoaned the isolated manner of operation that he claimed was widespread among Nigerian professionals.
“In this part of the world, we like to act alone,” Obe explained. The industry will grow if we and the other players work together. The government should ensure that there is a platform and synergy between academia and industry. The government should make certain that the contact is well-coordinated. I believe NITDA has begun something similar, but it needs to focus more on academics.”
Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, Professor of Computer Science and Director of ICT at Lagos State University, Ojo, stated that AI would only work on concepts and entities that already existed, adding that Nigerian researchers understood the localization of these new IT technologies to the immediate environment.
“In fact, these technologies will not produce the expected results until local experts and researchers participate.” Remember that AI models are based on training and learning processes. Nigerian academics should seize this opportunity to help society while also having a platform to implement many of the published theoretical frameworks that have the potential to change the way things are done.
AI must be accepted because it will determine our position as academics in a globalized society.”
He went on to say that the level of success from AI intervention would be determined by the amount of money the FG was willing to invest in AI research, training, and deployment.
“In the first instance, the call is a good call. To secure Nigeria’s future in terms of economic viability and infrastructure engagement, the FG should be genuine and serious in this area of intervention.
