The Federal Government has been urged to establish a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that will help drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The call was made in Abuja by the Director-General of the Ibrosoft International Development Foundation (IIDF), Ibrahim Muhammad, during a training session organised for teachers, business executives, and residents of the Federal Capital Territory. The programme focused on how to harness artificial intelligence for personal growth, enhanced productivity, and new income opportunities.
Muhammad said artificial intelligence is already reshaping societies worldwide and Nigeria must act quickly to embrace it. According to him, a dedicated ministry would not only regulate its use but also encourage the growth of generative AI applications that could transform several sectors of the economy.
“AI is transforming every aspect of life. If government creates a Federal Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria will not only compete with Africa but globally, and one day, we will become one of the developed countries,” he stated.
The training introduced participants to practical AI tools such as ChatGPT, which can support education, business, and research. The sessions were targeted at professionals and educators who are expected to transfer the knowledge to younger generations.
Muhammad stressed that empowering teachers and leaders is crucial because they can inspire students to be creative and innovative rather than passive consumers of technology. He added that while AI comes with risks such as generating fake content, the same tools can be applied to detect and verify information. He said proper regulation and education will ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence far outweigh its downsides.
Participants at the training described the programme as eye-opening. Mrs. Juliana Chijoke John, a primary school teacher in Abuja, said the lessons will help her introduce AI concepts in her classroom and encourage her pupils to think more critically.
“It’s going to enhance me as a teacher and also help the children. Some of my pupils already know about AI, so this training will guide me on how best to teach them responsibly,” she explained.
For Nuhu Alia, a final-year Cyber Security student at Nile University, the training expanded his perspective on using AI in his academic work.
“As a student, I use ChatGPT and GitHub a lot. Now, I have learned how to apply them more effectively without relying on them completely,” he noted.
