Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create new pathways for economic growth and development.
In a statement released Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described AI as humanity’s most powerful general-purpose technology, capable of augmenting human intelligence and unlocking unprecedented possibilities.
Speaking on Monday at the official launch of the AI University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos, Shettima—represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia—stressed that Nigeria must take an active role in the AI era. He highlighted the importance of building digital foundations that empower innovators, governments, and enterprises to address the nation’s unique challenges.
“Whether in agriculture, health, education, or finance, AI has the power to unlock new pathways for prosperity. But it will do so only if we design systems that are inclusive, equitable, and rooted in our values. I believe Nigeria is prepared to lead the whole African continent in this endeavour,” Shettima said.
He further emphasised that investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and responsible AI governance aim to position Nigeria not merely as a consumer of imported technologies but as a producer of knowledge, innovation, and scalable solutions.
During the UniPod inauguration, Shettima highlighted a shift in how universities are perceived, describing them as “platforms for production, enterprise, and national development.” He explained that projects like the UniPod facilitate collaboration between students, researchers, and industry practitioners to develop solutions tailored to real economic needs.
Shettima also expressed gratitude to development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the University of Lagos, and the Lagos State Government, noting that the initiative is designed to be scalable and sustainable nationwide.
“What we are doing here, and across similar efforts nationwide, is to build dozens of institutional bases required to compete—patiently, but with clarity,” he said.
Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, commended the UniPod system for actively engaging Nigeria’s youth in shaping the future. She noted that the initiative links knowledge to opportunity, innovation to enterprise, and talent to national prosperity, positioning Nigeria as a deliberate builder of long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth.
“This is a significant moment. And UNDP is proud to stand with UNILAG, the Government, and people of Nigeria as a partner in this journey,” Attafuah added.
