NITDA Tips AI to Power Future Economy

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that can power the economy in the near future.

Yau Garba, national director, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a subsidiary of NITDA, stated this at the NITDA-NYSC Emerging Technology for All programmes, in Abuja.

Garba said the programme was aimed at realizing the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021–2024 goal by preparing and positioning Corps Members to take advantage of opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

He explained that the project was created to move Nigeria’s Corp members into the digital era, with an emphasis on cutting-edge technology such as Robotics, Drones, AI, IoT, and Blockchain.

Garba, represented by Yusuf Abubakar, head, Collaboration and Funding Unit, NCAIR, said the tool (AI) has the potential to automate specific tasks and jobs, which is likely to replace humans in some areas.

According to him, AI is best suited for handling repetitive, data-driven tasks and making data-driven decisions, hence the NITDA-NYSC partnership’s goal of positioning Nigeria as a global talent factory.

He emphasised the agency’s role in scaling up awareness and adoption of emerging technologies in Nigeria.

Blessing Daniel, head, Administration and Corporate Advocacy Unit of NCAIR, highlighted different programmes intended to scale awareness and adoption of emerging technologies.

According to her, NCAIR plans to develop a specialised Community Development Service (CDS) group to improve post-service employability by incorporating emerging technology into Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) and encouraging a comprehensive learning experience.

She said the aim was to empower the corps members with the necessary skills to extend their knowledge in place of primary assignments.