FG partners NCS to boost artificial intelligence

From Daniel Abogonye

The Federal Government has made commitment to partner Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to promote research on artificial intelligence (AI) in order to catch-up with other developed Nations.

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Pantami, made the disclosure on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State at the maiden summit on AI organised by NCS.

The Minister was represented at the occasion by Director-General, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Yaa’u Garba.

Prof. Pantami commended NCS for organising the summit in an area he described as the most facinating technological development in the world today.

He said the event which was apt and timely, provided a platform for discussion of a roadmap for the adoption of AI in public and private organisations.

“It will also help to provide guidelines for rapid development using the emerging technology for the benefit of the country.

Artificial Intelligence is offering a new way of living and is creating unprecedent opportunity for humanity in all sectors,” he added.

According to the minister all countries over the world embrace artificial intelligence to enhance their efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

“Artificial Intelligence has the potential to analyse and ensure progress in health, education, communication, social protection, transport and engineering system.

He added that artificial intelligence can also increase productivity of science as it was evidence at the peak of coronavirus pandemic.

He added that on its effort to promote research on AI, the FG through National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) established National Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

He therefore commended the society for the summit and promised to partner them and other stakeholders toward promoting research on it to help address some challenges facing the country.

Earlier, President of NCS Prof Adesina Sodiya, said the summit was an initiative by them to contribute toward addressing national challenges using artificial intelligence technology.

He explained that AI has helped many countries of the world in making significant progress in different areas hence the need for Nigeria to also embrace it.

The President of NCS added that adopting AI in public and private sector would help in policy better formulation and tackle corruption among others.

On his part, Gov. Abdullahi Sule represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said AI is presenting opportunity for breakthroughs and problem solving in all sectors.

Gov. Sule added that the state government had invested a lot in Information Communication Technology with a view of digitalising government’s activities.

Sule said the state government would partner NCS to train civil servants in the state on AI.

The event had in attendance delegates from academia, captains of industry, students, government’s representatives across the 36 states and federal capital territory.

The theme of the summit is artificial intelligence for National Development