Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has launched the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in line with the Digital Skills acquisition drive as entrenched in the National Economic Development Policy and Strategy (NEDPS).
Commenting on the launch of the centre, Pantami said: “The global paradigm shift from mere paper qualifications to proven skills, particularly digital skills, has necessitated the establishment of a high tech skill acquisition centre such as this.
“The Centre will serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and other emerging technologies.
“In addition, the Centre will also create a vision for AI, develop an AI Ecosystem, support data stewardship while providing access to specialized technical skills in the country”.
Pantami emphasized that the Centre will provide a robust platform for achieving a digital economy for Nigeria through digital literacy and skills development and innovation.
On his part, the DG of NITDA, Kachifu Inuwa challenged the youths to take advantage of the initiatives and strategies deployed by the government particularly in the digital economy sector to empower themselves so as to take their place on the global stage.
The Centre is fully equipped with training facilities, 3D Printers, co-working space for startups, a digital innovation laboratory, Makerspace, and fabrication laboratory infrastructure, printed circuit board facilities, and houses the offices of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT – REAP) and the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) NITDA’s subsidiary arm for Innovation.
