By Anita Dennis
Nigeria is taking a decisive step into the global artificial intelligence (AI) space with plans to establish its first National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, a move the federal government says will strengthen local research, skills development and innovation.
The announcement was recently made by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, during the 50th convocation ceremony of the University of Jos in Plateau State. According to him, the centre will be hosted by the university with support from the ministry, marking the first nationally focused institution dedicated to artificial intelligence in the country.
According to Mr. Tijani, the centre is designed to serve as a national hub for advanced AI research, talent development, innovation and policy engagement. He said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s determination to play an active role in shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and governed globally.
“University of Jos must not merely observe Nigeria’s future; it must help to architect the future,” the minister said. “Today, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, will establish and support a National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at this university, the first of its kind in Nigeria.”
Mr. Tijani explained that the centre would support government efforts to strengthen research capacity, build relevant skills and promote innovation, while positioning Nigeria as a serious contributor to the global AI ecosystem. He stressed that artificial intelligence will shape the future of every economy and that Nigeria intends to influence how that future is built.
The decision to locate the centre within an academic institution reflects the government’s view that universities must play a central role in AI development. Mr. Tijani noted that leading countries in artificial intelligence achieved their status through early and sustained academic investment in machine learning research, rather than relying solely on access to powerful computing infrastructure.
He argued that Nigeria, given its size and influence on the African continent, cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as artificial intelligence reshapes global systems. According to him, participation in AI development must go beyond consumption of foreign technologies.
“The reality of AI is much more than just computing,” Tijani said. “We are too big as a country not to participate in this space, and it goes beyond what should be left as the responsibility of the West.”
A major focus of the proposed centre will be the development of inclusive and locally relevant AI systems. Mr. Tijani emphasised that artificial intelligence tools deployed in Nigeria must be able to understand local languages, culture and social realities. He said universities are best positioned to lead research into datasets and models that reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
“Artificial intelligence systems must understand Nigeria’s reality, our languages, our culture and our social structures,” he said. “Universities must lead the research into inclusive datasets and contextual intelligence.”
The minister, who is also an alumnus of the University of Jos, used the occasion to call on Nigerian academic institutions to see themselves as active contributors to global knowledge rather than passive recipients. He said the establishment of the centre is part of a broader effort to ensure that Nigeria is not excluded from key conversations around AI governance and ethics.
“Nigeria must not be a passive rule-taker in global AI governance,” Tijani said. “Our universities must help position the country as thoughtful contributors and leaders from the Global South.”
The proposed centre is expected to bring together researchers, students, policymakers and industry players, creating a platform for collaboration on artificial intelligence applications relevant to Nigeria’s development priorities. Areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, public services and language technology are likely to benefit from focused research and innovation.
While details on funding and timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, the announcement signals a shift in Nigeria’s digital economy strategy from adoption to active creation. For many observers, the centre represents a recognition that the future of artificial intelligence will be shaped not only by technological power, but by ideas, data and values rooted in local realities.
