THE Federal Government has trained more than 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies as part of its national strategy to build a digitally skilled workforce and establish Nigeria as a leader in AI-powered innovation across Africa.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, 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. Representing the Minister at the event was Dr. Patricks Oghuma, his Special Assistant and Team Lead at the Ministry’s Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME) unit.
Chief Nnaji highlighted the transformative potential of AI, especially when integrated with chemistry, in addressing global sustainability challenges.
“We are standing at the crossroads of a revolution, where artificial intelligence and chemistry merge to create new frontiers,” he said. “This synergy offers a glimpse into a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
He also emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, noting that many groundbreaking studies remain inaccessible to industries and policymakers.
“Too often, brilliant scientific ideas are confined to journals and never make it to implementation. We must bridge this divide with actionable, AI-driven research that addresses real-world problems,” he added.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, echoed these sentiments, stating that the fusion of AI and chemistry holds immense potential for promoting sustainable development. He emphasized AI’s role in improving efficiency, minimizing waste, and optimizing chemical processes.
“At NOUN, we are committed to delivering accessible, technology-driven education that responds to both national and global challenges,” Peters said. “This symposium reflects our mission to foster science that is both impactful and socially relevant.”
He urged participants to see discussions on AI-powered green chemistry, sustainable materials, and smart manufacturing as more than theoretical, but as essential building blocks for a knowledge-based economy.
Professor Edu Inam, Chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to fostering mentorship and engaging students in scientific research.
She noted that ACS continues to organize campus outreach programs aimed at cultivating the next generation of scientists.
The symposium brought together experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government, focusing on how AI can be leveraged to advance sustainability.
A strong call was made for increased collaboration across sectors to drive practical, AI-enabled solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
