Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim, has called for urgent, faith-driven engagement with artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the 2026 Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Education Summit in Abuja, the Minister described the theme, “The Ummah in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities,” as not only timely but also prophetic in its foresight.
She warned that Muslim women must not be left behind in the global technological shift.
The Minister cautioned that the digital revolution presents a defining moment“One path leads to passive consumption, ethical confusion, and digital marginalization. The other path leads to active engagement, faithful innovation, and responsible leadership,” she said.
Key Risks
Highlighting key risks, she identified digital divide, ethical concerns, and intellectual dependency.
Despite these concerns, the Minister emphasised opportunity over fear, urging the Ummah to embrace AI for education, empowerment, and leadership.
“Islam does not teach us to fear knowledge,” she stated.
The Minister pointed to innovations such as AI-driven Qur’anic learning tools and data systems to track women’s development.
Reaffirming government commitment to inclusive digital advancement, the Minister disclosed, “The Ministry is already working on a National Framework on Gender and Digital Inclusion.
“I invite FOMWAN to be our formal partner in ensuring that framework is faith-sensitive and truly serves the Muslim woman,” she said.
Call to Action
Issuing a strong call to action, Hajiya Sulaiman- Ibrahim urged FOMWAN chapters nationwide to prioritise digital literacy, develop faith-based AI content, and engage in policy advocacy.
“Do not outsource the moral education of our children to Silicon Valley,” she declared.
The Minister reminded participants that “Artificial intelligence is a tool. It has no soul, no conscience, and no faith. But you do.”