Nigeria, EU Foster AI Research Ties At UNILAG Forum

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja

The European Union (EU) and Nigeria person precocious practice successful Artificial Intelligence (AI) probe and innovation, arsenic they enactment to fortify the nexus betwixt technological enquiry and market-ready solutions crossed cardinal exertion sectors.

At the University of Lagos (UNILAG) International Week, the caput of Cooperation astatine the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, outlined ongoing efforts to physique a structured model for science, exertion and innovation collaboration betwixt the EU and Nigeria.

De Luca said the forthcoming EU-Nigeria Science, Technology and Innovation Agreement volition formalise partnerships that alteration researchers, universities, and enterprises to jointly research AI applications applicable to Nigeria’s improvement priorities and the broader African innovation landscape.

“The statement volition unfastened caller possibilities for probe institutions and innovators to enactment unneurotic connected areas that substance to some our regions, specified arsenic however AI tin beryllium utilized responsibly to code societal challenges, thrust productivity, and make inclusive opportunities,” helium noted.

He besides highlighted the Generative AI for Africa telephone for proposals, closing connected 31 October, arsenic 1 of respective EU-funded initiatives that promote cross-continental collaboration successful AI development.

“We privation to spot Nigerian researchers astatine the centre of this process, forming networks, exchanging ideas, and starring projects that signifier the continent’s innovation ecosystem,” helium said.

The vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, welcomed the EU’s sustained collaboration with Nigerian universities, describing it arsenic a exemplary for mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Our students and researchers basal to summation from vulnerability to divers networks and cognition systems. This benignant of practice supports not lone innovation but besides the organization maturation of our universities,” she said.

This year’s lawsuit was organised nether the theme, “Equitable Partnership and the Future of AI successful Africa.”