Nigeria is poised to take a giant leap in technology with the establishment of a state-of-the-art institute dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Spearheaded by Professor Bart Nnaji, a renowned engineer and former Minister of Science, Technology, and Power, this initiative is set to revolutionize STEM education and technological innovation in the country.
Announced during a lecture commemorating the 100th anniversary of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, the institute will focus on educating and certifying professionals in cutting-edge fields such as intelligent machine technology, autonomous systems design, and advanced algorithm development. Professor Nnaji emphasized the institute’s potential to position Nigeria as a leader in global AI advancements, underscoring the critical role of STEM education in driving economic growth.
This project, first proposed in 2017, gained federal government approval after four years of rigorous evaluation, marking it as a national priority. While the exact launch timeline and location are yet to be revealed, the initiative is expected to foster a tech-driven economy by equipping Nigerians with world-class skills to compete in AI and robotics on a global scale.
Professor Nnaji also highlighted the dire need for Nigeria to diversify its economy, citing technology as a lucrative alternative to traditional sectors like oil. Drawing inspiration from global success stories such as Vietnam’s STEM graduate output and Nvidia’s record-breaking $15.3 billion profits, he urged for strategic investments in technology-driven education and industries.
The institute will collaborate with academic and industry leaders to promote research, innovation, and practical applications of AI. This development aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to nurture a tech-savvy workforce and attract global technology giants by creating an enabling environment.
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The announcement was met with widespread applause, reflecting optimism for a future where Nigerian innovation plays a pivotal role in global technological advancements. Beyond robotics and AI, Nnaji encouraged expanding academic frontiers in Nigeria through partnerships and international affiliations, positioning local institutions to compete with global universities.
This institute represents more than a step forward in AI—it is a bold declaration of Nigeria’s readiness to be a technology trailblazer in Africa and beyond.
