Reps Member Advocates AI Adoption for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development
Hon. Donald Ojogo, representing the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency in Ondo State, has called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost sustainable development in Nigeria, with a focus on riverine communities. He highlighted AI’s potential to improve governance efficiency and impact crucial sectors such as health, infrastructure, and social inclusion.
Speaking at a research conference hosted by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ojogo stressed the need for a framework that ensures technology is effectively embedded into Nigeria's development agenda. The conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development: Implications for Government, Economy, Society, and Policymaking in Nigeria,” gathered experts and institutions nationwide to discuss AI’s role in national progress.
AI’s Role in Riverine Community Development
Ojogo underscored the importance of AI in addressing environmental risks, economic challenges, and social inequalities faced by vulnerable riverine populations. He explained that AI could:
- Enhance governance efficiency
- Boost economic resilience
- Promote social inclusion
- Mitigate environmental threats
The proposed AI framework prioritizes infrastructure, human capital development, community involvement, ethical governance, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability — all crucial for building a resilient and equitable future in these areas.
Interdisciplinary Research Is Key
Ojogo emphasized the need for collaboration across disciplines such as computer science, economics, sociology, and environmental science to bridge the gap between AI technology and practical solutions. Integrating indigenous knowledge with AI models can create innovations that resonate with local communities, improving acceptance and effectiveness.
Expert Recommendations on AI Strategy
Financial expert Dr. Awe Agboluga urged the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, to implement the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2024. He also recommended that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria enforce AI explainability standards to tackle transparency issues, particularly in financial and corporate governance.
Academic Institutions Aligning with Technological Advances
Professor Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, ABUAD’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), shared that the university is proactively adapting its curriculum and research focus to emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, IoT, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Web 3.0. These initiatives aim to equip students with skills to lead Nigeria’s technological future.
Additionally, ABUAD has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to launch new data-centric degree programs, including BSc Data Science and BSc Cybersecurity, starting from the 2025/2026 academic session. Professor Olayinka Aina, Provost of the College of Social and Management Sciences, reiterated the university’s commitment to research and innovation as core values.
Conclusion
Adopting AI within Nigeria’s development framework, especially in underserved riverine communities, presents a practical path to enhancing governance, economic stability, and social equity. A collaborative, well-structured approach involving government, academia, and industry will be essential to realize these benefits.
For IT and development professionals interested in AI applications and training, exploring courses tailored to various skill levels can be a valuable step. Resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer practical guidance on AI tools and strategies relevant to development challenges.
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