The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States-based organization, DAIMLAS Corp, towards strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said the collaboration with DAIMLAS Corp will deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a platform that brings together all STI resources and stakeholders in Nigeria.
He explained that the platform will also connect with Nigerians in the diaspora and other international technology ecosystems.
Outlining the benefits of the partnership, Nnaji said, “It will help every state in Nigeria align with our national STI goals, encourage innovation by providing a place for collaboration and research.”
The Guardian reports that the platform is set to launch publicly within eight weeks of the MoU signing, accompanied by outreach efforts to engage stakeholders nationwide.
The minister, who said the partnership comes at no cost to the ministry, noted that it will open doors for international partnerships, investments, and growth opportunities.
“This partnership is a big step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector, which is a key part of our 2017–2030 STI Roadmap,” he said.
Also, in his remarks, the Director General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr Olusola Odusanya, explained that what is most important in the application of AI technology is to get all different stakeholders in Nigeria to learn, understand, and work together.
He said: “There is a disruptive technology going across the world, and that is AI. Of most significant importance to us in Nigeria is to train more people in the use of these technologies because they’re very disruptive.
“Unlike what happens in biotechnology, where advocacy is ahead of its time, we do not want a repeat of it.
“That is why we want to bring all different stakeholders together in our economic system where infrastructure and data are provided, and Nigerian experts in AI in the diaspora have access to our young people who have different AI objectives and develop platforms for us to have AI guiding us in most of our decision areas, including education, health, industry, culture, and other sectors.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of DAIMLAS Corp, Joseph Wehbe, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are honoured to partner with FMIST to build a platform that will serve as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancements.
“Together, we will create opportunities for growth, innovation, and global impact.”
Wehbe said that with its focus on alignment, innovation, and global engagement, this partnership is poised to redefine Nigeria’s approach to science, technology, and innovation.
