Published: June 12, 2025, 02:15 AM WAT
By [Michael Bright], AI Reports Africa (@aireportsafrica)
As Africa solidifies its position as a burgeoning hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, the “Build with AI Ilorin 2025” event stands out as a pivotal moment for tech enthusiasts and professionals. Hosted by Google Developer Groups (GDG) on Campus at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, this 5-day generative AI workshop, kicking off on February 18, 2025, is set to empower participants with cutting-edge AI skills. With the continent’s AI market projected to reach $18.33 billion by 2030 (Scrums.com, 2024), this event aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, including the recent launch of the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub on June 4, 2025. Let’s dive into what this event entails, its significance, and what it means for Africa’s AI future.
What is Build with AI Ilorin 2025?
“Build with AI Ilorin 2025” is a 5-day intensive workshop designed to equip participants—whether beginners or seasoned professionals—with the skills to build and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions. Organized by GDG on Campus University of Ilorin, the event is scheduled to run from February 18, 2025, and will be held in a hybrid format, offering both in-person attendance at the University of Ilorin and virtual participation to accommodate a global audience.
The workshop focuses on generative AI, a subset of AI that creates content like text, images, or code. Key topics include:
- Large Language Models (LLMs): Understanding and leveraging models like those powering chatbots.
- Prompt Engineering: Crafting effective inputs to get desired AI outputs.
- Embeddings: Techniques to represent data for AI processing.
- Generative Agents: Building AI systems that can act autonomously.
According to the GDG community page, the event features a dynamic lineup of sessions, including keynote presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking breaks. It’s led by a Google Learn Guide and supported by organizers like the Software Engineer Lead, ensuring a robust learning experience. Registration details and the full agenda are accessible on the GDG website GDG Build with AI Ilorin 2025.
Event Highlights and Structure
The event is structured to maximize learning and collaboration:
- Duration: February 18–22, 2025, offering a full week of immersion.
- Format: Hybrid, with in-person sessions at Microsoft Mountain View (per earlier web data) and virtual options, ensuring accessibility across Nigeria and beyond.
- Target Audience: Open to AI developers, enterprise leaders, venture capitalists, and tech enthusiasts, making it inclusive for all skill levels.
- Activities: Interactive workshops, hands-on coding sessions, and networking with industry visionaries. The agenda includes topics like TensorFlow.js, Vertex AI, and Gemini, reflecting Google’s latest AI tools.
With 73 RSVPs already recorded on the GDG site, interest is high, suggesting a strong turnout. The event’s timing—early in the year—positions it as a launchpad for AI projects in 2025, especially as Nigeria’s tech scene gains momentum with initiatives like the AI Scaling Hub.
Significance for Africa’s AI Ecosystem
“Build with AI Ilorin 2025” arrives at a critical juncture for Africa’s AI landscape. Nigeria, hosting the event, recently launched the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub on June 4, 2025, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, backed by a $7.5 million commitment over three years (Digital Watch Observatory, June 5, 2025). This hub focuses on scaling AI solutions in agriculture, health, and education, aligning with the workshop’s goals of fostering practical AI skills.
The event’s emphasis on generative AI taps into global trends, such as agentic AI and small language models, noted in a January 2025 TechTarget article. For Africa, where the AI market is growing at 19.72% annually (Scrums.com, 2024), such workshops are vital for building local talent. With over 200,000 students already reached by AI-driven education tools like Darsel (Darsel.tech), and startups like Signvrse enhancing accessibility, Ilorin 2025 could amplify this momentum.
Moreover, the hybrid format addresses some infrastructure challenges. A 2025 ITU report highlights that only 30% of rural areas have reliable internet access, limiting AI adoption. By offering virtual attendance, GDG ensures broader participation, though in-person attendees will benefit from hands-on access to tools and networking.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
It seems likely that “Build with AI Ilorin 2025” will produce a cohort of skilled AI practitioners capable of driving innovation across Nigeria and Africa. Potential outcomes include:
- Skill Development: Participants will gain expertise in building AI applications, potentially leading to new startups or projects.
- Collaboration: Networking with Google experts and peers could spark partnerships, similar to those seen with the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub.
- Economic Growth: As Africa’s tech sector grows, trained individuals could contribute to the projected $18.33 billion AI market by 2030.
An X post from
@AfricaFactsZone on October 19, 2024, about Irawoai—a Nigerian startup using AI for running plans—suggests that such events can inspire local innovation. Ilorin 2025 could follow suit, fostering solutions tailored to African needs, though funding debates (e.g.,
@jcokechukwu’s June 3, 2025, post on Gates Foundation motives) may influence perceptions.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its promise, the event faces challenges:
- Infrastructure: Limited rural internet access could hinder virtual participation, though the hybrid model mitigates this.
- Funding and Ethics: External support, like Google’s involvement, raises questions about data privacy and local ownership, echoing controversies around the Gates Foundation.
- Scalability: With only 73 RSVPs so far, scaling impact beyond Ilorin will require broader outreach.
Addressing these will be key to ensuring the event’s success and long-term impact.
How to Get Involved
Interested individuals can:
- Register: Visit the GDG event page GDG Build with AI Ilorin 2025 for ticketing details. Early bird pricing may have ended (per AI Infra Summit data), but current rates are around $395.
- Prepare: Brush up on basic AI concepts or bring project ideas to collaborate on.
- Follow Updates: Track @GDGIlorin or @aireportsafrica for live coverage starting February 18, 2025.
Conclusion
“Build with AI Ilorin 2025” is more than a workshop—it’s a stepping stone for Africa’s AI revolution. As Nigeria leads with initiatives like the AI Scaling Hub, this event empowers the next generation of innovators to build solutions that address local challenges. Whether you’re in Ilorin or joining virtually, this is your chance to shape Africa’s tech future. Stay tuned to
@aireportsafrica for updates as the event unfolds!
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