Govt Promotes Responsible Use Of AI, Robotics

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to promote the responsible use of Science to enhance humanity, as it has also called on scientists and policymakers to improve Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things, as well as machine training and other emerging technologies.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Esuabana Nko-Asanye, made this call on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference ahead of the 2025 World Science Day, which is scheduled for Monday, November 10.

The theme for the 2025 World Science Day for Peace and Development is “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050”, which encourages the global scientific community to focus on building trust in science, transforming current systems, and finding solutions for a fair and sustainable future.

She said, “We are here to promote the role of science for sustainable development, for peace and national progress in Nigeria. Science should be open to everyone; there should be enlightenment through science. We should promote awareness; encourage dialogue between scientists, policy makers and citizens, including foreigners in Nigeria.”

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the importance of adhering to ethical standards in the use of AI, the Internet of Things, machine learning, robotics, and other emerging scientific and technological advancements.

The Nigerian government has also advised citizens to utilise social media to promote peace in the country, especially during these challenging times, when the country has been designated as a Country of Particular Concern by the US government.

The government also stated that science should be utilised to strengthen national and international cooperation for the advancement of humanity, adding that Nigeria is leveraging science to transform its resources into products that other nations rely on to catalyse their industrial development for the benefit of mankind.

World Science Day, established by UNESCO in 2001, is celebrated every November 10, emphasising the critical role science plays in people’s lives and the need for public engagement in scientific discussions. It fosters a closer connection between science and society, ensuring that citizens are kept informed about scientific developments and encouraging debate on emerging scientific issues.