Osita Oparaugo, Esq.’s Post

Exciting news from Kaduna State! The government, in collaboration with Google and DSNai - Data Science Nigeria, has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners Learning Series, aimed at empowering women in the Northern part of the country through technology. The series, presented in Hausa, breaks down complex AI concepts, making them more accessible and culturally relevant to the region. This initiative reflects the commitment of the state government, led by Executive Governor Uba Sani, to digital transformation and economic growth, particularly emphasizing the potential of AI education for women. Google West Africa Director Olumide Balogun highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing how the series will enhance AI knowledge across Northern Nigeria. By making digital concepts more relatable and engaging, the initiative aims to foster inclusivity and participation in the tech sector, ultimately creating new job opportunities. The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series is now accessible on YouTube, the Data Science Nigeria platform, and the National Information Technology Development Agency education portal, ensuring widespread availability of AI education in Hausa. Dr. Bayo Adekanbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria, expressed optimism about the impact of this initiative, noting that it creates opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact, particularly for the future leaders and innovators of Northern Nigeria. #EducationForAll #Innovation #SocialImpact #TechInclusion #Innovation #JobOpportunities #DigitalTransformation #EconomicGrowth #WomenInTech #AI #Empowerment #TechForGood #hakunamatatamedia

The Nigerian government has announced its commitment to enhancing AI skills among its citizens through enrolment in the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy. This initiative, a result of discussions between Nigeria’s leadership and Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is aimed at empowering millions of Nigerians, especially youth and women, with industry-ready AI skills. The Commonwealth AI Academy, managed by the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium, will offer specialized courses to equip Nigerians with cutting-edge technical skills, enabling them to support innovation across multiple sectors including governance, healthcare, and agriculture. This marks a significant step towards building a future-ready workforce that can tackle global challenges through AI-driven solutions. Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria's minister of innovation, science, and technology, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative for Nigeria's economy, positioning the country as a leader in AI adoption within the Commonwealth. He further highlighted the importance of ensuring Nigerians are prepared for the technological advancements that will shape industries in the coming years. By joining this global AI initiative, Nigeria is taking bold steps to ensure its citizens are equipped to drive economic growth through technology and innovation. This strategic partnership with the Commonwealth will help develop a highly skilled workforce that can foster sustainable development across all sectors of the economy. #NigeriaAI #AITraining #CommonwealthAcademy #DigitalInnovation #TechForDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence #YouthEmpowerment #WomenInTech #CapacityBuilding #Nigeria

Following the ongoing Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) project I am actively working on, I had the pleasure of updating the grant management and my grant supervisor yesterday on the progress thus far, the challenges I am currently facing, and the projected deliverables. This meeting, which was at the instance of the grant management, allowed me not only to express my strong reservations about the deliverables but also to highlight the challenges, especially in securing complete approval and support from the management team of our research universities. So far, we have received full support only from my alma mater, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The critical stakeholders have been very supportive; I wouldn’t want to say it's because I was a former students’ union president, but rather I think that is just how FUTA is wired—they have a knack for innovation and always want to be part of something revolutionary. Other universities have been coming around too, but differing academic calendars have posed a challenge. In this research project, “AI-Based Personalized Intelligent Learning in Education,” I reiterated that it aims to create a level of learning playing field for all students. This project would identify students' unique challenges in understanding particular subjects, and offer tailored explanations, assessment questions, and additional reading materials to help them understand each topic more deeply. We believe that, through this research, artificial intelligence can contribute to improved learning and a more intuitive understanding of courses and topics, which would, in turn, enhance Nigeria’s educational outcomes, especially given the current decline in the standard of education in Nigeria. I also expressed my earlier reservations about the expected deliverables during this meeting. While a publication in a reputable journal would certainly deepen the conversation around AI in the academic community and contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to enhance AI capabilities for socio-economic development, I believe the NAIRS program should go beyond an academic exercise. We’ve had numerous publications from university professors and Ph.D. scholars in Nigeria, but many of these solutions remain on paper, with very few translating into practical solutions. While I intend to meet the publication requirement, I am committed to going further by demonstrating a proof of concept and a prototype #ArtificialIntelligence #Machinelearning #Research

AI Africa Training Initiative - July 15th to 17th, 2024 We are excited to announce the launch of batch VEGA AI training for Ghanaians, a transformative initiative proudly sponsored by the African Diaspora Central Bank and the Vanuatu Trade Commission to Ghana. This program, led by two of Ghana's top certified AI trainers, is set to empower 300,000 Ghanaians, aged 18 to 65, with crucial AI skills. The demand for AI expertise is soaring across various sectors. According to a report by Gartner, the demand for AI-related job roles is expected to create 2.3 million opportunities by 2025 globally. This training is a direct response to such growing needs, particularly in fields such as healthcare, finance, and technology, where AI is revolutionizing traditional practices. The enthusiastic response we received following our initial announcement underscores the critical relevance and impact of this initiative. It is incredibly rewarding to see our vision taking shape and to witness the growth of what we started into something truly transformative. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we remain committed to excellence and innovation. Together, we are setting the stage for a future where AI not only enhances professional capabilities but also empowers entire communities. Training Details: Topic: AI Africa Training (VEGA GROUP) Time: 4:30 PM Greenwich Mean Time each day from July 15 to July 17, 2024 July 15, 2024, 04:30 PM July 16, 2024, 04:30 PM July 17, 2024, 04:30 PM Join the Zoom Meeting: https://lnkd.in/dkEvaBDt Meeting ID: 828 2067 1394 Passcode: VEGA Registration remains open for individuals eager to partake in this life-changing opportunity. Please note, all registered participants will receive the Zoom links directly via email, ensuring personal access and security. Join us on this transformative journey towards a future driven by AI, where innovation and empowerment lead the way. 🌍💡 Contact: 📧 info@vanuatutradecommissiongh.com 📞 +233 243 851 073 🌐 [https://lnkd.in/dfSwDKcs](https://lnkd.in/dwRsBBKD) #AIAfricaTraining #Empowerment #Innovation #FutureOfAfrica

At the last Edtech conference hosted by Startup Abuja, I was asked the most important tool(s) or software schools need to drive advancement in the educational sector, in Nigeria. The host expected me to say AI, point and blank. AI is extremely helpful, extremely! It would be more difficult to do several things without AI, but this is probably the issue a society like ours will encounter. Our society, sadly, is built on consumption than production, and AI tools without well grounded and intellectual people may not be the deliverer we seek. I think we need to go back to the basics. Regulator problems. Instead of just AI tools, can we have a more robust curriculum, that helps us solve first principles? Teacher problems. Can we first solve problems with learning patterns and habits that are unique to us as Nigerians and Africans? Student problems. Can we build solutions that will make us more excited about learning and innovating? What that tech looks like will likely require AI, machine learning, et al, at the end of the day; so yes, AI has a huge role to play in Africa's advancement, but that's mostly in the hands of producers/operators than consumers/students. As an operator in the talent and remote work space, we'd continue to seek ways to build this society through well structured talent development and partnerships. We definitely need more people who can do stuff. Africa's next economic revolution is in their hands, and it starts with fixing education. #education #ai #africa #nigeria

First things first... The Basics are very important for sustainability.

Throwback to the recently held Community AI Workshops! These workshops were made possible through a grant from the Skoll Foundation, received by TEDxLusaka. TEDxLusaka collaborated with BongoHive Technology and Innovation Hub to facilitate workshops across five key sectors: Agriculture, Business, Health, Education, and Law & Governance. The goal was to raise awareness among the Zambian public on the safe and responsible use of AI. The workshops gathered valuable insights from diverse stakeholders on: AI current and potential use cases in Zambia. Common misconceptions, risks, and challenges. Recommendations on how to address misconceptions and mitigate risks. It was enlightening to hear directly from stakeholders about the current realities surrounding AI in Zambia. For example, many stakeholders expressed fear that AI could threaten jobs, while others highlighted real challenges like inadequate infrastructure and the lack of regulatory frameworks, both of which are crucial for accessing and safely using many AI tools. If you missed the webinar, you can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/d-R2TtCP and download the presentation of insights from the workshops here: https://lnkd.in/dTYzTsdK. AI is here to stay! But for it to be successful and accessible to all in Zambia, we must collaborate on, but are not limited to: Capacity building Developing regulations Raising public awareness Together we can ensure that AI benefits everyone safely and responsibly. #AI #ResponsibleAI #Zambia #CommunityWorkshops #Innovation #TEDxLusaka #BongoHive #SkollFoundation #AIinZambia

Immediately after seeing the announcement that the draft copy of Nigeria's National AI Strategy (NAIS) was ready, I took a quick dive and was particularly interested in its approach to sustainability. Given AI's potential for increased energy consumption, I was curious about its considerations for the green economy. I'm impressed by the strategy's Objective 3.5, which aims to ensure AI contributes to sustainable development and environmental well-being. The proposed Green AI Challenge and Grant Programme is especially promising, encouraging developers to create AI solutions for environmental challenges and smart city initiatives. This focus on green AI projects demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility. I'm eager to see the innovative solutions our talented youth will develop through this program. A big shout out to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and other stakeholders involved in the creation of this robust strategy, especially DSNai - Data Science Nigeria. I'm so proud to be a member of its AI+ campus club initiative. DSN nurtured and developed the interest in Data Science, ML, DL, and AI in many of us. Looking forward to the finalization and implementation of NAIS, which promises to drive sustainable AI development in Nigeria. For those interested, the draft strategy is available online: https://bit.ly/nais-2024 #NAIS #AI #GreenEconomy #Sustainability

Inspiring! Dotun A.. When Okechi Awujo is your facilitator then learning is guaranteed! Long may AI In Nigeria continue to shape the future of AI and the broader tech ecosystem in Nigeria. #promptengineering #aiinnigeria #aiinnigeriacommunity

Expertise in Technology and Innovation: A Gateway to Africa's Digital Future As the Ambassador of Pi&AI in Nigeria and co-founder of Talnts App, House Of Creativity technologies, I have had the privilege of being at the forefront of AI and technology. These are not just catchlines—they are the drivers of Africa’s digital transformation, economic resilience, and the future of innovation across the continent. The potential for AI in Africa is limitless, from revolutionizing industries to creating new business models and opportunities. But this growth will only happen if we equip ourselves with the right knowledge and skills. That’s why I’m inviting you to join my upcoming AI training designed for anyone eager to be part of this transformation and it's for beginners. For just ₦9,900 or $10, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge and insights that will position you to take advantage of the booming tech opportunities. You’ll learn how AI works, its applications, and how to integrate it into your field—whether you're in business, tech, or even a creative industry. Why should you enroll? AI is reshaping the world, and the earlier you adapt, the more valuable you'll become in the workforce. This training is an affordable gateway to mastering one of the most sought-after skills in the world today. Invest in your future now. Let’s build Africa’s digital future together! Check comment section for more details on how to enroll #AITraining #DigitalTransformation #AIInAfrica #SkillsForTheFuture #Talnts App #AffordableLearning #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #GrowthMindset #DigitalAfrica