Nigeria is Ready to Lead Africa in Harnessing AI for Economic Growth and Innovation — VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria is positioning itself to lead Africa in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driver of economic growth and innovation.

Speaking at the launch of the AI University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos, Lagos, Shettima stressed that Nigeria must actively participate in the fast-evolving global AI revolution rather than remain a passive consumer of technology.

He was represented at the event by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia. According to him, AI has become a transformative force with the capacity to expand human potential and reshape critical sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.

Shettima emphasised the urgency of building strong digital foundations that will enable innovators, businesses, and government institutions to design solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges.

He added that the country’s long-term ambition is to shift from importing technology to producing homegrown knowledge, innovation, and scalable digital solutions. “Our investments in digital public infrastructure and innovation ecosystems point to a singular goal, to make Nigeria a leader in AI-driven development,” he said.

He noted that initiatives like the UniPod signal a broader transformation of universities into hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development, rather than just academic learning centres.

Shettima also commended partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Lagos State Government for supporting the initiative See more full, details. .