BY SAM OTUONYE
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has highlighted the importance of Commonwealth AI initiative to Nigerian youths and women.
He made the exposition on the sidelines of a high-level bilateral meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York.
The meeting marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collaboration with the Commonwealth, with both parties agreeing to launch a massive capacity-building initiative aimed at training millions of Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the Commonwealth AI Academy.
The Commonwealth AI Academy, a flagship initiative under the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), is powered by Intel and designed to build AI capacity among Commonwealth member states. It focuses on delivering specialized courses ranging from AI for the Public Sector to AI for Youths, aimed at creating broad awareness and understanding of AI technologies across various sectors.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to harness the transformative potential of AI for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and enhanced public service delivery across member states.
Chief Nnaji highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging the opportunities presented by the AI Academy to equip Nigerians, particularly youth and women, with critical AI skills.
“This partnership with the Commonwealth and Intel will enable millions of Nigerians to gain practical, industry-ready AI knowledge, thereby positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI adoption and innovation across Africa,” he stated during the meeting.
The Secretary General commended Nigeria’s leadership in the Commonwealth and reiterated the importance of AI in driving sustainable development.
“The Commonwealth AI Academy will not only create a new generation of AI professionals but also ensure that the knowledge and resources are used to address pressing global challenges, thereby benefiting the entire Commonwealth,” she said.
The Secretary-General also emphasized that this collaboration would lay the groundwork for AI awareness and literacy across Commonwealth countries, enabling them to better utilize technology for socio-economic advancement.
The meeting also touched on the broader role of technology in advancing climate action and sustainable agriculture.
Chief Nnaji reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, which promotes sustainable land management and climate resilience. He cited Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural reforms, which integrate advanced technologies such as Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) and biochar to improve soil health and increase crop yields.
As part of the discussion, the Minister and Secretary-General explored opportunities to scale up these sustainable practices across Commonwealth member states through sharing of knowledge and expertise to support food security, renewable energy, and sustainable rural development.
The collaboration positions Nigeria as a leader in using technology for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Nnaji and Scotland also discussed Nigeria’s active participation at the upcoming COP29 conference, they aim to present innovative, tech-driven solutions to climate challenges.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to work closely in advancing shared climate goals and promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies across Commonwealth nations.