The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is advancing its mission to position Nigeria as a global leader in emerging technologies through a new strategic collaboration with Wigwe University.
The partnership, solidified during a high-level engagement in Abuja, focuses on high-impact areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, smart agriculture, and digital talent cultivation.
Executing the National Tech Roadmap Representing NITDA, Dr. Aristotle reaffirmed the Agency’s role as Nigeria’s “technology powerhouse.”
He noted that the proposals presented by Wigwe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, align seamlessly with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).
The Agency plans to leverage this partnership to bolster its existing hubs, specifically the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Adaptive Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA).
A central pillar of the discussions was the development of localized AI solutions. While Professor Al-Akaidi outlined the university’s ambition to create a “Nigerian AI” engine, NITDA officials emphasized that such research is critical to the Agency’s goal of moving Nigeria into the top 25% of global research performance.
Key collaborative workstreams identified include: AI in Healthcare, developing tools for medical diagnosis and malaria research; Smart Agriculture, applying AI to livestock management and crop efficiency to increase Nigeria’s agricultural wealth; and Localized Innovation, ensuring AI tools reflect Nigerian languages, realities, and data sovereignty.
NITDA’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Kumo, and representatives from the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department highlighted the necessity of aligning university curricula with industry needs.
NITDA is looking to Wigwe University as a partner to virtualise Education: Expanding access to high-tech learning for Nigerians nationwide, bridge the Skills Gap: Ensuring graduates are “job creators” proficient in blockchain, IoT, and robotics, enhance Digital Literacy: Building a workforce ready for the complexities of the modern digital economy.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to action over rhetoric.
“Whatever we commit to, we will do,” stated Dr. Aristotle, emphasizing that NITDA views academia as a vital stakeholder in the national tech ecosystem.
Both institutions have agreed to form dedicated technical teams to map out specific workstreams, ensuring that this collaboration translates into tangible technological advancements for the Nigerian people.
(Board Room)
