Nigeria to Establish Institute for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence

Nigeria is set to establish an institute dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence, spearheaded by Professor Bart Nnaji, founder and chairman of the Geometric Power Group.

Nnaji, a former Minister of Science and Technology and later Minister of Power announced the establishment of the institute during a lecture marking the upcoming 100th anniversary of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu.

The new institute will focus on the study and advancement of robotics and AI, offering certifications in intelligent machine technologies, autonomous systems design, and the development of intelligent algorithms with minimal human intervention.

Nnaji shared that the application for the institute was submitted in 2017, and it took four years for the government to approve the project, recognising its national importance.

Also Read: Kaduna State to Enhance Governance through AI, Robotics

Nnaji emphasised the need for Nigeria to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to drive the country’s development, citing Vietnam’s example of producing 90,000 STEM graduates annually. He called on the Nigerian government to foster a competitive environment for global technology companies by focusing on the development of STEM talent.

Nnaji also spoke about the importance of introducing world-class economics and management programs in Nigeria to enhance the country’s competitiveness. He highlighted the success of companies like Nvidia, which made $15.3 billion in profits last quarter, in contrast to Nigeria’s annual earnings of $25 billion from crude oil.

Additionally, Nnaji recommended that Bigard Memorial Seminary consider upgrading its academic programs, offering postgraduate degrees, and affiliating with Nigerian or international universities. He encouraged the institution to explore becoming a full-fledged university after a century of existence, with a focus on enhancing academic standards.

The proposal for the AI institute and calls for educational reforms reflect Nnaji’s vision for a future where Nigeria plays a significant role in global technological advancement.