Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is prepared to lead Africa in deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock new pathways for the continent’s prosperity.

Mr Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the AI University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos.

He said AI has become humanity’s most powerful general-purpose technology, one that will define lives and the future of mankind.

The VP added that the technology would continue to serve as a “profound engine of creativity, capable of augmenting human intelligence and expanding the horizons” of human possibilities.

He said the nation must build digital foundations that enable its innovators, governments, and enterprises to create solutions that reflect its realities and address its unique challenges.

“Whether in agriculture, health, education, or finance, AI has the power to unlock new pathways for prosperity.

“But it will do so only if we design systems that are inclusive, equitable, and rooted in our values.

“I believe Nigeria is prepared to lead the whole African continent in this endeavour,” Mr Shettima said.

He said the nation’s investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and its commitment to responsible AI governance all point to a singular goal.

Mr Shettima said the national innovation system reflects a deliberate shift in how universities are being viewed.

 He noted that the citadels of great learning are not only centres of instruction but also platforms for production, enterprise, and national development.

“Projects like this UniPod are an integral part of that delivery architecture where students, researchers, and industry practitioners collaborate to build solutions that respond directly to real economic needs.”

He thanked development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND),  the University of Lagos, and the Lagos State Government for the nation’s first UniPod.

“More importantly, I want to emphasise that this is not a one-off intervention. It is part of a system we intend to scale, sustain, and subject to results.

“What we are doing here, and across similar efforts nationwide, is to build dozens of institutional bases required to compete—patiently, but with clarity.”

The Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, explained that the UniPod was a system designed to prepare young Nigerians for the future.

She said the UniPods would position Nigeria, not merely as a participant in the global economy, but as a country that is deliberately building the foundations for long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth.

“This is a significant moment. And UNDP is proud to stand with UNILAG, the Government, and people of Nigeria as a partner in this journey,” she said. 

(NAN)