FG investing in citizens to be experts in AI – NITDA

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has emphasised that the Nigerian government is making substantial investments in training citizens to become AI experts. This strategic initiative aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of shaping global AI technology utilization.

Mr. Abdullahi made this assertion while addressing the audience as the keynote speaker during the official launch of Digital For All Challenge 2.0, an initiative by Tech4Dev in collaboration with NITDA and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The NITDA CEO affirmed that Nigeria aims not only to be a consumer but a significant contributor to shaping the use of AI technology. This commitment aligns with the nation’s vision of forging its desired future through active participation in the evolution of this technological advancement.

He emphasized the imperative for Nigeria to prepare for the future, stating that the nation is proactively investing in training its citizens. This training goes beyond merely using AI; it encompasses deep research and studies to foster the development of innovative solutions that will positively impact the lives of all citizens.

“AI is the future, but the future is arriving faster than we expect it, we don’t want just to be a participant in AI, but we want to be an active shaper of the AI, therefore, we need to be ready for it.

“We are hugely investing in terms of training, providing grants in research for AI, as well as encouraging our people to build solutions. At NITDA also, we are building our AI assistant such that it can help us to augment our productivity and increase efficiency within service delivery,” the Director stated.

He highlighted that NITDA, along with other government agencies, has been actively developing policies over the past few years to guide the use of artificial intelligence within the country. This includes efforts to formulate an act ensuring that AI is utilized for the country’s utmost benefit.

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Additionally, the Director-General of NITDA mentioned that the government, via the Ministry of Communications, has awarded grants to 45 Nigerians, comprising researchers, startups, and academics. These individuals will engage in studies and develop policies and strategies to facilitate the seamless implementation of AI across various sectors in the country.

Speaking on the ‘Digital for all Challenge’, Mr. Abdullahi stated that the project, executed in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, aims to empower millions of young Nigerians with new digital skills. These skills are envisioned to pave the way for Nigeria’s future in technology.

The Digital for All Challenge is a complimentary competition and program designed to enhance digital literacy in Nigeria. It aims to stimulate interest in acquiring digital skills and certifications through online platforms.

According to the program initiators, the challenge will run in two phases: the training phase and the competition phase. After the training phase, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the competition phase.

An official statement from the competition creators, Tech4Dev, states that after the training phase, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the competition phase.

The competition phase will run in three stages: state, regional, and national (grand finale) and learners can win up to 15 million naira in cash, laptops, tablets, and other consolation prizes.