The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) with a United States-based organisation, DAIMLAS Corp, to strengthen Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
At the signing ceremony yesterday in Abuja, the minister of innovation, science and technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the collaboration would deploy AI to create a platform that brings together all STI resources and stakeholders in Nigeria.
He said the platform would also connect with Nigerians in the diaspora and other international technology ecosystems.
Outlining the benefits of the partnership, Nnaji said, “It will help every state in Nigeria align with our national STI goals, encourage innovation by providing a place for collaboration and research.”
The minister, who said the partnership came at no cost to the ministry, said it would open doors for international partnerships, investments and growth opportunities.
“This partnership is a big step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, which is a key part of our 2017–2030 STI Roadmap.
“I want to thank DAIMLAS Corp for believing in Nigeria’s potential and partnering with us on this journey. I also thank my team at FMIST for their hard work in making this possible.
“As we sign this agreement today, I urge everyone involved to give their full support to this project. Together, we can make science, innovation, and technology the driving forces of Nigeria’s growth and development.”
The director general, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Olusola Odusanya, said what was most important in the application of AI technology was to get all different stakeholders in Nigeria and let them learn, understand and work together.
“There’s a disruptive technology going across the world and that is the AI. Of most significant importance to us in Nigeria is to train more people in the use of these technologies because they’re very disruptive.
“Unlike what happens in biotechnology where advocacy is ahead of its time, we do not want a repeat of it.
“ That’s why we want to bring all different stakeholders together in our economy system where infrastructure and data are provided and Nigerian experts in AI in Diaspora have access to our young people who have different AI objectives and develop platforms for us to have AI guiding us in most of our decision areas, including education, health, industry, culture and other sectors.
The CEO of DAIMLAS Corp, Joseph Wehbe expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are honored to partner with FMIST to build a platform that will serve as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancements.
“Together, we will create opportunities for growth, innovation, and global impact.”
The platform is set to launch publicly within eight weeks of the MOU signing, accompanied by outreach efforts to engage stakeholders nationwide.
Wehbe said with its focus on alignment, innovation, and global engagement, this partnership is poised to redefine Nigeria’s approach to science, technology, and innovation.
