Nigeria’s Federal Government has renewed its call for the nation’s youth to embrace artificial intelligence as a major tool for socio-economic progress in the country. In a potent message delivered at a high-profile university event, government leaders argued that the future of job creation, innovation and national development is closely tied to how effectively young people adopt and use AI in solving real-world challenges.
Addressing students, tech enthusiasts and stakeholders, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, painted a vivid picture of opportunity. He urged young Nigerians not just to learn about AI, but to integrate it creatively into efforts to tackle issues that have hampered growth and prosperity. His speech came during the Distinguished Personality Lecture Series at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he spoke on technology’s role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
According to the minister, shifting mindsets is as important as learning the technology itself. He said young innovators should stop viewing the country’s socio-economic landscape through a lens of problems alone. Instead, he encouraged them to see opportunity in every challenge, using tools like AI to drive solutions that can create wealth, expand businesses and generate jobs.
Tijani’s message resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom are already navigating careers in the digital economy. His call to action focused on the fact that Nigeria can only unlock its full potential if the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and tools to compete globally in technology and innovation.
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A New Narrative on Technology and Development by the Federal Government
In his address on “ICT and Employment Generation: Strategies for Economic Growth,” Tijani emphasised that technology should be seen as a support to human ingenuity rather than a threat to traditional forms of work. He stressed that AI is not a replacement for human thinking, but a powerful complement that can help Nigerians process complex information, spot patterns and make better decisions.
“The ability to use AI productively will still require you to apply your creative confidence,” the minister said, making it clear that technology cannot deliver impact on its own. It needs skilled minds to guide its use for tangible outcomes.
This perspective aligns with broader moves by government and industry players to build a digitally literate workforce. Recent partnerships between the Federal Government and global technology companies have resulted in training programmes that have equipped millions of Nigerians with digital skills, including specialised training in AI and related technologies. Reports show that initiatives led by international tech firms have trained over four million Nigerians in various digital competencies, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to preparing its workforce for the future.
The Nigerian government’s approach also complements existing programmes aimed at expanding digital literacy and enhancing innovation. National initiatives such as digital skills development schemes and AI training platforms are being rolled out across states to ensure that young Nigerians have access to knowledge and tools that can make a difference in their lives and communities.
Firsthand Experience Fuels the Message
Tijani did not just speak as a government official; he shared insights drawn from his own experience in the technology space. He reminded the audience that he had directly supported innovation efforts earlier in his career. One notable example was his role in helping establish one of Nigeria’s first innovation hubs in partnership with a university team. That hub later became renowned across Africa for nurturing tech talent and innovative solutions.
This personal anecdote reinforced the minister’s message that success in technology demands persistence, vision and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. He challenged young Nigerians to emulate that spirit by creating solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs rather than simply importing ideas from outside.
For many students and innovators in the audience, the minister’s call was more than motivational rhetoric. It was a reminder of their role in the national development story. They left the event with renewed energy to explore opportunities in AI, from developing applications that solve local problems to joining global innovation ecosystems where Nigerian talent is increasingly in demand.
AI as a Catalyst for National Transformation
The government’s push for AI adoption is rooted in a broader vision for Nigeria’s economic transformation. With productivity a key focus for national growth, leveraging AI effectively could significantly accelerate progress across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and finance. The idea is that AI can help businesses and public services run more efficiently, cut costs and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
Critically, the minister emphasised that Nigeria is at a crossroads. Countries that move fast to upskill their youth and embed technology into their economies will lead in the global market. By contrast, nations that lag in adopting new tools risk being left behind. He urged Nigerian innovators to step into that space with confidence and ambition.
The government has already made strides in this direction, with collaborative programmes between public institutions and private technology partners delivering training and certification in AI and other digital technologies. These efforts are contributing to a growing pool of skilled professionals who are equipped to compete both locally and internationally.
Youth groups, tech hubs and industry players are responding with enthusiasm. Across the country, young Nigerians are engaging in hackathons, building startups and participating in training initiatives that aim to harness technology for societal good. These activities are gradually reshaping perceptions of what is possible when digital tools are applied to persistent national challenges such as unemployment and economic inclusion.
Charting a Path Forward
For Nigeria’s youth, the message from government leaders is clear: learning about AI is no longer optional. It is a critical part of defining a career, creating impact and contributing to national progress. The push for AI adoption is about making opportunities more accessible, encouraging innovation and empowering young people to take charge of their future.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, the role of young innovators will only grow. With technology evolving rapidly, the capacity to adapt, learn and apply new tools like AI could be the difference between stagnation and transformative growth. For many young Nigerians, this moment represents a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves; to use their creativity in ways that benefit others and redefine what is possible within the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
In the end, the call to action goes beyond rhetoric. It is a challenge to every young Nigerian to engage deeply with technology, build solutions that matter and position themselves at the centre of an economy that rewards innovation, resilience and forward thinking.
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