In a landmark move to bolster Nigeria’s position in the global artificial intelligence landscape, the Federal Government has announced the launch of the country’s first National AI Centre of Excellence. The initiative, unveiled at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) during its 50th anniversary celebration, aims to transform the nation from a mere consumer of AI technologies to an active creator and innovator.
The announcement was made by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, on January 7, 2026, during the university’s 35th and 36th combined convocation ceremony in Plateau State. Speaking at the event, which also marked the institution’s golden jubilee, Minister Tijani emphasized the critical role of academic institutions in driving Nigeria’s technological advancement.
“The University of Jos must not merely observe Nigeria’s future; it must help to architect the future,” Tijani declared in his convocation lecture titled Building a Prosperous Nigeria: Academic Institutions and the Architecture of a Technology-Powered Society. He highlighted the need for inclusive research that incorporates Nigeria’s unique cultural, linguistic, and social contexts, stating, “Artificial intelligence systems must understand Nigeria’s reality, our languages, our culture, our social structures, and universities must lead the research into inclusive datasets and contextual intelligence.”
The new centre, to be located on the UNIJOS campus—which is notably the minister’s alma mater—will serve as a national hub for advanced AI research, skills development, innovation, and policy engagement. It is designed to integrate academic efforts with industry needs and government priorities, fostering collaborations that translate knowledge into real-world impact. Tijani noted that the centre will support Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, positioning the university as a key player in the nation’s emerging AI ecosystem.
This development comes amid Nigeria’s accelerating push toward AI adoption. In April 2025, the government launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Lagos, built around five pillars: infrastructure, ecosystem development, sector-wide adoption, responsible AI use, and strong governance. The strategy includes 12 goals and 34 initiatives, coordinated through the Nigeria AI Collective Ecosystem—a network of over 70 AI leaders—and the National AI Trust established in early 2025 to oversee investments and execution.
Minister Tijani underscored Nigeria’s demographic imperative for active AI participation, pointing out the country’s population of over 240 million, projected to reach half a billion in the next two decades. “We are too big as a country not to participate in AI,” he said, adding that Nigeria must not remain a “passive rule-taker” in global AI governance but emerge as a thoughtful contributor from the Global South.
The centre’s establishment aligns with ongoing initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and private-sector AI applications in education, healthcare, and finance. While specific timelines and funding details have yet to be disclosed, the project is expected to attract partnerships with global technology institutions, startups, and investors, potentially curbing brain drain by creating high-value opportunities for Nigerian talent.
Experts view this as a pivotal step toward economic diversification beyond oil, with AI poised to drive productivity and growth across sectors. As Tijani concluded in his address, “AI will shape the future of every economy, and Nigeria intends to shape how it is built.”
This launch not only elevates UNIJOS as a beacon of innovation but also signals Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s AI revolution, ensuring the continent’s voice in the global tech narrative.
