The Nigerian government has trained over 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as part of a national drive to develop a digitally skilled workforce and position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation on the African continent.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, made this known 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 of the Minister’s Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME), the Minister said the training initiative reflects the country’s commitment to deepening AI adoption across key sectors.
“Today, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a revolution where artificial intelligence and chemistry converge to create new frontiers,” Nnaji said. “This powerful synergy offers a vision of the future in which innovation and sustainability work hand in hand.”
He added that the symposium was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s collective pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.
Chief Nnaji also addressed the need to connect scientific breakthroughs with real-world application, especially in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Chemists play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, yet many groundbreaking discoveries remain locked in journals, never reaching the industries or policymakers that could apply them,” he noted.
He stressed the urgency of bridging the gap between research, application, and policymaking through AI-driven, problem-solving research.
“Chemistry is central to the SDGs. No meaningful progress can occur without the contributions of this field. This symposium offers an opportunity to generate practical, impactful ideas to strengthen our nation,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in sustainable chemical processes.
“With AI’s capacity to model, predict, and optimise, we are now better equipped to reduce waste, enhance energy efficiency, and develop greener, more sustainable technologies,” he said.
He reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to research and technology-driven education aimed at tackling national challenges.
“This symposium aligns perfectly with NOUN’s vision to drive innovation that is both scientifically rigorous and socially responsible,” Prof Peters added.
He encouraged participants to view discussions around AI-enhanced green chemistry, sustainable materials, and smart manufacturing as crucial tools for building a resilient, knowledge-based economy in Nigeria and across Africa.
Professor Edu Inam, Chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, reiterated the society’s dedication to nurturing research talent through student engagement and mentorship.
She noted that ACS continues to support research participation by hosting campus events and outreach programmes, fostering a vibrant research community among young scientists.
