Data Scientist Writes Tinubu, Seeks More Investment In Tech For Nigerian Youths

Software Developer and Data Scientist, Buhari Sani Omolori, has called on President Bola Tinubu to embark on urgent and deliberate reform to save Nigerian youths from being excluded from the emerging world of digital economy.

In an open letter to the president, Omolori, a Business and Human Resource Management expert, said Nigeria needed positioning for leadership in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He said AI has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation, with global economic contributions projected to exceed $15 trillion by 2030, adding that Nigeria stands at a defining moment.

He said the global economy has shifted decisively from credentials to competencies, from theory to applied problem-solving, and from routine work to intelligent systems.

Omolori said, “Your Excellency, in today’s world, nations no longer compete based solely on population, size or natural resources. They compete on intelligence, skills, innovation, and speed of adaptation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation, with global economic contributions projected to exceed $15 trillion by 2030. Nigeria stands at a defining moment.

“Each year, our universities and colleges graduate thousands of young Nigerians whose certificates no longer guarantee employability. The global economy has shifted decisively — from credentials to competencies, from theory to applied problem-solving, and from routine work to intelligent systems.

“Without urgent and deliberate reform, millions of capable young Nigerians risk exclusion from the emerging digital economy.

“Across the world, forward-thinking nations are embedding AI and digital capabilities into their education systems and national development strategies. African innovation is already delivering transformative results in agriculture, healthcare, and security when properly supported. Nigeria’s greatest asset is not oil. It is its people — particularly its youth. Yet without structured national exposure to AI, data science, software development, and digital entrepreneurship, many risk being left behind. Automation is not waiting for policy debates. Nations that fail to prepare will export talent and import dependency.”

He outlined what the country can do to include making AI and digital literacy foundational in secondary and tertiary education, including launching a National Digital Skills and Reskilling Programme, retraining teachers and lecturers for modern education delivery, partnership with African and global technology leaders and prioritising demonstrated skills in public-sector recruitment.