The Federal Government has unveiled plans to train more than 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, as part of a broader effort to build a digitally skilled workforce and position Nigeria as a continental leader in AI innovation.
The announcement was made by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, during the 10th Annual Symposium and Awards of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.
Represented by Dr. Patricks Oghuma, Special Assistant and Team Lead for the Ministry’s Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME), the minister emphasized the transformative power of AI, especially when combined with disciplines like chemistry to tackle sustainability issues.
“We are at the edge of a revolution where AI and chemistry intersect to create groundbreaking opportunities,” Dr. Oghuma said. “This fusion presents a future where innovation drives sustainability.”
He called for greater efforts to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation, lamenting that many valuable scientific insights remain underutilized in real-world contexts.
“Too many brilliant ideas are locked in academic journals instead of being turned into real-world solutions. AI can help bridge that gap,” he added.
Professor Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, echoed these remarks. He highlighted how AI is revolutionizing sustainable development by optimizing chemical processes, reducing waste, and conserving energy.
“At NOUN, we are committed to delivering technology-driven education that tackles both national and global challenges,” Prof. Peters said.
He urged attendees to see discussions around AI-enhanced green chemistry, sustainable materials, and smart manufacturing as essential components of Nigeria’s move toward a knowledge-based economy.
Prof. Edu Inam, Chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, reinforced the society’s commitment to nurturing future scientists through mentorship, outreach, and campus-based initiatives.
The symposium brought together experts from academia, science, and government to explore how AI can drive sustainable innovations, with a strong call for enhanced collaboration between research institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.
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