World Science Day: Federal Government Rallies Nigerians On AI, Robotics

The Federal Government has rallied Nigerians on the need to promote the responsible use of science to enhance humanity even as it urged scientists and policy makers to improve Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and other emerging technologies.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Esuabana Nko-Asanye, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference ahead of the 2025 World Science Day coming up on 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 admonished ethical standards in the use of AI, Internet of Things, machine training, robotics, and other emerging science and technologies.

The Nigerian government also advised citizens to use social media to enhance peace in the country, especially in these difficult times that the country has been listed as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the US government.

The government also said science should be used to strengthen national and international cooperation for the advancement of humanity, adding that Nigeria was using science to transform its resources to produce what 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 and it emphasises the critical role science plays in the lives of people 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.