The Federal Government has announced plans to launch Nigeria’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening local research capacity and positioning the country as an active contributor to the global AI ecosystem.
The centre will be hosted at the University of Jos, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s technology and innovation agenda.
Announcement Made at University of Jos Convocation
The project was unveiled by Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, during the 50th convocation ceremony of the University of Jos.
According to the minister, the Federal Government, through his ministry, will provide institutional support for the establishment and growth of the centre.
National Hub for AI Research and Innovation
Tijani explained that the AI Centre of Excellence will function as a national hub for advanced research, skills development, innovation, and policy engagement.
He noted that this is the first dedicated national institution in Nigeria focused exclusively on artificial intelligence, underscoring the country’s growing commitment to emerging technologies.
Focus on Local Data and Inclusive AI
In his address, the minister stressed that Nigeria’s AI development strategy must prioritise locally relevant research and inclusive datasets, rather than heavy dependence on foreign technologies and external computing infrastructure.
“Artificial intelligence systems must understand Nigeria’s reality, our languages, our culture, our social structures, and universities must lead the research into inclusive datasets and contextual intelligence,” Tijani said.
Universities Key to AI Leadership
Tijani emphasised that countries leading in artificial intelligence achieved their status through early and sustained academic investment in machine learning and data science, not merely through access to powerful computing systems.
“The reality is much more than just compute. Academic institutions globally have been investing in this space for years,” he said.
Nigeria’s Role in Global AI Governance
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic and economic significance, the minister said the country must take an active role in shaping how AI systems are developed and governed.
With a population exceeding 200 million people and projected to grow further, he warned against Nigeria becoming a passive consumer of global AI rules.
“Nigeria must not be a passive rule-taker in global AI governance. Our universities must help position the country as thoughtful contributors and leaders from the Global South,” Tijani stated.
Supporting Economic and Technological Ambitions
Describing the new centre as the first of its kind in Nigeria, Tijani said it will directly support the country’s long-term technological, economic, and innovation ambitions.
The National AI Centre of Excellence is expected to play a critical role in talent development, policy research, and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across key sectors of the Nigerian economy
Conclusion
The launch of Nigeria’s first National AI Centre of Excellence at the University of Jos marks a significant step in the country’s digital transformation journey. By anchoring AI development in local research, academic leadership, and inclusive data, the Federal Government is signalling its intention to position Nigeria as a meaningful player in the global artificial intelligence landscape.
