Governments and all stakeholders in the Nigerian project have been urged to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as tools in key sectors of the nation to achieve rapid and sustainable growth.
A member of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Donald Ojogo, who stated this, said AI is rapidly opening new frontiers in business, corporate practices, economic practices, human society, and governmental policy.
Hon. Ojogo, who is representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency at the National Assembly, spoke while delivering his keynote address at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) College of Social and Management Sciences’ One-Day Research Conference with the theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development: Implications for Government, Economy, Society and Policy Making in Nigeria’.
The federal lawmaker, a former Chief Press Secretary, represented a governor in Ondo State, Mr Richard Olatunde, added that developing and deploying AI technologies to address immediate needs in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and environmental protection.
However, he stressed that interdisciplinary research is essential to bridging the gap between AI technology and its practical implications.
“This involves collaborations between computer scientists, economists, sociologists, and environmental scientists to create holistic solutions that are both technologically sound and culturally relevant.
“For instance, integrating indigenous knowledge systems with AI-based models could lead to innovations that are uniquely suited to local challenges, thereby enhancing community acceptance and effectiveness.’’
Ojogo, who also called for continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess AI’s impact and sustainability, said, “Future research could, therefore, develop advanced analytical tools and methodologies to measure the effectiveness of AI technologies in real time.
“By providing timely insights into the performance of AI applications, researchers can assist policymakers and practitioners in refining their strategies, ensuring that AI continues to contribute positively to sustainable development goals in the riverine areas”.
Another keynote speaker, Dr Awe Agboluga, recommended that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) should mandate AI explainability standards to address the “black box” problem and enhance transparency in financial and corporate governance applications.
The ABUAD DVC (Administration), Prof Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, at the event, said the university is taking proactive steps to align its curriculum and research priorities with the technologies shaping our future by introducing various skills to students across all colleges.
