NITDA, Wigwe University in strategic AI collaboration for agric innovation, others in Nigeria

*The National Information Technology Development Agency and Wigwe University forge a far-reaching collaboration that focuses on Artificial Intelligence research, agricultural innovation and digital talent development in Nigeria

Alexander Davis |    ConsumerConnect

Sequel to a recent high-level engagement between the two institutions, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Wigwe University, located in the South-South Nigeria, working on a far-reaching collaboration centred on Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, agricultural innovation and digital talent development.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed Prof. Marwan Al Akaidi, Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, and senior officials of the IT sector regulatory agency led the discussions between the organisations.

The agency noted that the engagement indicated an alignment of expertise, priorities and national objectives that could accelerate technological advancement ni Nigeria.

Prof. Al Akaidi, who leads the young, but ambitious Wigwe University established under the vision of the late Herbert Wigwe, said the institution was created to become “the university of Africa”.

He stated that the University provides high quality teaching and transformative research for Nigeria and the African continent.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised that Nigeria has immense talent but often lacks the opportunities and platforms to channel it effectively.

These, and others are issues the University intends to solve through strong industry and government partnerships, the agency said.

Al Akaidi: We can create Nigeria’s AI to suit indigenous needs

Based on his long academic and research career in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Middle East, Prof. Al Akaidi disclosed Wigwe University is already conducting work on AI for Health in Nigeria with a team of 10 researchers.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University further expressed his determination to build a full AI centre in nigeria that is similar to the one he helped to establish in Abu Dhabi.

He noted although funding setbacks followed Herbert Wigwe’s passing, the ambition remains intact and urgent.

Wigwe University does not seek to become a passive user of foreign AI tools but aims to “create the Nigerian AI”—a locally driven, world-class AI engine that reflects the country’s needs, languages and realities, stated Prof. Al Akaidi.

He further explained that the university’s location in Rivers State provides a natural foundation for AI enabled agriculture and food production research.

Surrounded by extensive farming communities, the institution sees opportunities to apply AI to livestock management, land use, food processing and agricultural efficiency.

Using Nigeria’s cattle population as an example, the Vice-Chancellor opined that that technology can dramatically improve productivity.

He explained: “In countries with fewer cattle, output is far higher because of new feeding systems and technology.

“If we apply AI properly, Nigeria’s agricultural wealth can multiply.”

Al Akaidi as well observed that AI potential in hospitals and medical diagnosis, especially for widespread illnesses like malaria.

Aristotle: University’s proposals align with NITDA’s strategic programmes

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, representative of NITDA, said the regulatory agency welcomed the visit warmly.

He described NITDA as “Nigeria’s technology powerhouse” with mandates covering IT development, regulation, innovation, research and standards.

According to him, the Vice-Chancellor’s proposals align strongly with NITDA’s strategic direction and existing programmes, highlighting the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and the National Adaptive Village for Smart Agriculture as key areas where collaboration could take shape.

The agency’s representative lauded Wigwe University’s focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development.

He also affirmed that academia is a crucial stakeholder in the national tech ecosystem in Nigeria.

Aristotle further explained that NITDA’s work aligns closely with the government’s priority agenda and the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, built on pillars such as knowledge, research and development, entrepreneurship, innovation and partnership.

He assured the visiting delegation that NITDA sees collaboration as essential, and is committed to implementation rather than discussions alone:

“Whatever we commit to, we will do. We understand the importance of partnership because no single institution has all the answers.”

In his remarks also, Dr. Kumo, Director of Research and Development at NITDA, disclosed the agency is working to develop a technology research ecosystem capable of moving Nigeria into the top 25 percent of global research performance.

Kumo noted that many of Wigwe University’s interests—AI, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and additive manufacturing—mirror NITDA’s research priorities.

The Director of Research and Development also emphasised the value of virtualising education, allowing learners anywhere in Nigeria to access Wigwe University’s programmes through technology, improving national inclusivity.

In the contribution of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr. Tambuwal stressed that NITDA prioritises building a digitally literate population and developing talent from basic education through to tertiary level. Tambuwal opined that several workers, these days, still lack the digital skills required to use modern systems effectively.

According to him, this would make it essential for universities to produce graduates who are digitally fluent, and ready for the workforce.

He also expressed readiness to partner with Wigwe University to explore shared learning opportunities in the academia.

Expatiating further on curriculum and industry alignment, Prof. Al Akaidi stressed that the country’s academia needs industry just as much as industry needs academia.

The Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University described the need for constant curriculum review, especially in computing, engineering and technology, to ensure students are not learning outdated content.

Teaching, he asserted, must be underpinned by active research and that the real value of education lies in producing graduates who understand the technology and can lead in their fields.

According to him, at Wigwe University, students are already demonstrating remarkable capability—second year students are set to launch a major educational app, showing what young people can achieve when supported and challenged.

He insisted that Nigerian universities must produce graduates who are not only job seekers but job creators.

Al Akaidi explained that Wigwe University is building such a culture deliberately.

He restated: “We need to work together. If we combine our strengths, we can produce something real for Nigeria and beyond.”

NITDA said the meeting between the two institutions ended with mutual assurance that the collaboration would move into concrete action.

Both sides agreed to identify dedicated contact teams and map out specific workstreams for AI research, agricultural innovation, virtual learning, digital literacy, curriculum development and emerging technologies.

With this shared resolve, NITDA and Wigwe University appear ready to build a partnership capable of shaping Nigeria’s technological future.

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