Nigeria AI Collective for inclusive, safe ecosystem and digital transformation ─Minister

*Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, describes the ‘Nigeria AI Collective’ as ‘a community of practice, bringing together expertise from civil society, academic, technology, and other sectors working together to advance Artificial Intelligence’ towards ensuring its safe, ethical use in the emerging technologies ecosystem in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government Monday, October 28, 2024, formally launched the “Nigeria AI Collective”, a digital project described as a community of practice, bringing together expertise from civil society, academic, technology, and other sectors working together to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria, and ensure its safe, ethical use, and innovations in society.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who disclosed this development Monday, said Luminate had supported the new technology project with $1.5 million.

The Minister highlighted the fundamental objectives of the project include Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration, Policy Advocacy, Innovation and Research, Capacity Building, and International Collaboration.

In his remarks on the event, Dr. Tijani in a statement via his verified social media account noted the Nigeria AI Collective “reflects our unique and inclusive ecosystem approach towards developing and deploying AI in Nigeria for the greater good.

“It sets a standard for other countries looking to build capacity in AI for transformational change.”

According to him, this approach is similar to the one adopted for the development of the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) a few months ago, where the stakeholders brought together 120 AI experts of Nigerian descent to develop the document, which is currently in its stakeholder engagement phase.

3 Organisations to manage Nigeria AI Collective for inclusive ecosystem

The Minister further revealed that three organisations, including the Lagos Business School (LBS) of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), in Lagos, DSNai – Data Science Nigeria (DSN), and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) would manage the AI Collective in collaboration with NCAIR Nigeria and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

He equally stated the LBS would lead research activities and serve as a research manager while providing training programmes and nurturing talent.

While CJID will coordinate the Collective’s work around AI governance, DSN will spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in AI in Nigeria, said the Minister.

Tijani stated: “We are grateful for the support from our partners, particularly Luminate, who are committing $1.5 million to support Nigeria’s effort towards developing its AI ecosystem.”