The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has announced plans to work with the Federal Government–Technical Working Group on Sustainable Development and Safety Net in the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre.
The centre, according to officials, will focus on empowering women, youth and children through training in AI and robotics.
The announcement came after a courtesy visit by the delegation of the FG-TWG to the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, at his office in Abuja on Monday, 25th August 2025.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Executive Director and Project Coordinator, Dr M.A. Ibrahim, mni, explained that the initiative will be known as the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre.
He stated that the project is designed to develop the potential of exceptionally gifted Nigerian youths, women and children, while also serving as a world-class incubation hub that can position Nigeria at the forefront of AI, robotics and the global technology space.
“AI and emerging technology are empowering technology. AI is the in thing in every field and a veritable employer of labour across the globe,” Ibrahim said. He explained that the centre will be housed at the National Open University of Nigeria, which has a strong e-learning network across the country. With this structure, the centre will have the capacity to reach and empower people nationwide.
He added that the centre was named after the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in recognition of her dedication to human development and her efforts towards the empowerment of women, youth and children.
The initiative is made up of 13 members drawn from various institutions, with consultations carried out alongside the Digital Bridge Institute, NOUN and other key stakeholders. The Ministry has been appointed as the line ministry for the initiative.
Dr Ibrahim appealed for the Ministry’s support and guidance to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
In his response, the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, praised the delegation for the initiative and assured them of the Ministry’s support. “The Ministry is committed to giving full cooperation towards the success of this project,” he said.
This collaboration is expected to open up new opportunities in artificial intelligence, robotics and digital skills development, creating employment and promoting innovation in Nigeria.