An exciting development is underway in Nigeria as the country prepares to establish its inaugural Artificial Intelligence Development Center in Abuja, courtesy of the Shamsudeen Usman Foundation.
Dedicated to enhancing skills, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth through AI, the center is scheduled for an official launch on September 26. This event will coincide with the foundation’s formal inauguration and the introduction of a new book chronicling the life of Dr. Shamsudeen Usman.
The Shamsudeen Usman Foundation, established by the offspring of the former Minister of Finance and National Planning, aims to perpetuate his legacy in the realms of education and technological progress.
Central to the foundation’s vision is the empowerment of individuals, businesses, scholars, and students to explore and devise sophisticated AI and technological solutions for real-world issues.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Sadiq Usman, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, emphasized the significance of the AI center. He remarked, “To commemorate his influential life and establish a lasting heritage for future generations, Dr. Usman’s children recently initiated the Shamsudeen Usman Foundation, dedicated to fostering education in the nation.”
The upcoming book titled “Public Policy and Agent Interests: Perspectives from the Emerging World,” co-authored by Dr. Usman in collaboration with other notable Nigerians such as Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II and former Statistician-General of the National Bureau of Statistics Yemi Kale, will also be unveiled at the launch. Proceeds from the book will support the foundation’s initiatives.
Usman underscored the pivotal role of AI in national progress, underscoring its potential to bolster Nigeria’s standing on the global stage by bridging the gap with more technologically advanced nations and sustaining competitiveness.
He expressed, “It’s a burgeoning field. The development of AI models is still in its early stages. Consider your AI models, like Chat GPT 3 or version 4; these have made tremendous strides in less than two years.”
“For us as Nigerians, this presents a unique opportunity to leapfrog, shaping the future of education and work in significant ways. The uptake of AI and the opportunities it presents are substantial,” he added.
The AI and Technology Development Center is poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s educational and technological landscape, positioning the country at the forefront of AI innovation in Africa.