Nigeria Positioned to Lead Africa’s AI Revolution – Shettima

Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima, has declared that the country is strategically positioned 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 University of Lagos on Monday, the Vice President emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to transition from a consumer of foreign technologies to a global producer of innovation and scalable digital solutions.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Shettima described AI as “humanity’s most powerful general-purpose technology,” capable of reshaping industries and expanding human potential.

He warned that Nigeria must not remain passive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, stressing the importance of building robust digital infrastructure that empowers local innovators, businesses, and government institutions to develop solutions tailored to the country’s unique challenges.

“Whether in agriculture, healthcare, education, or finance, AI has the capacity to unlock new pathways for prosperity,” he said. “But this will only happen if the systems we build are inclusive, equitable, and rooted in our values.”

Shettima highlighted ongoing investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and responsible AI governance as critical steps toward positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

The Vice President also described the UniPod initiative as part of a broader shift in how universities are perceived moving beyond traditional learning centres to hubs of innovation, enterprise, and economic development.

According to him, such platforms enable collaboration between students, researchers, and industry players to develop practical solutions that address real-world economic needs.

He acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the University of Lagos, and the Lagos State Government, in establishing the country’s first UniPod.

Earlier, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie G. Attafuah described the initiative as a transformative platform designed to connect knowledge with opportunity, innovation with enterprise, and talent with national development.

She noted that the UniPod system would ensure Nigeria’s young population is not only prepared for the future but actively involved in shaping it.

“This initiative positions Nigeria not just as a participant in the global economy, but as a nation intentionally building the foundation for long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth,” Attafuah said.