Artistic rendering of the proposed AI university in Lagos, Wini University. It showcases a futuristic and innovative campus design that aligns with its mission to be a hub for cutting-edge AI and technology.
Published 1:00 PM ET, Monday January 20, 2025
Lagos: Nigeria is set to establish its first university dedicated entirely to Artificial Intelligence (AI), named Wini University, in Epe, Lagos. This initiative, led by the Wini Group, aims to transform Africa into a global hub for technological innovation by equipping Nigerian youths with advanced AI skills, thereby addressing unemployment and positioning the nation as a significant player in the global AI market.
Inspired by the world’s first AI university in Qatar, Wini University plans to build a vibrant community of world-class faculty and students passionate about leveraging AI and quantum computing to drive progress in Africa and beyond. The institution’s mission is to create a generation of African youths who are active players and innovators in the global AI market.
The decision to locate the university in Epe aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to attracting global investors to Nigeria and advancing his administration’s vision of transforming the country into a trillion-dollar economy. Additionally, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in positioning Lagos as the “California of Africa” have elevated its economy to the fifth largest in Africa, further supporting this initiative.
Traditional rulers and prominent leaders in Epe, including HRM Oba Rafiu Balogun, Elejirin of Ejinrin, in collaboration with the Lubajo-Egbe and Soje Kingdoms, have generously agreed to provide their ancestral lands as the permanent site for the university. The establishment of Wini University is expected to significantly boost Epe’s GDP, transitioning the region from an agrarian economy to a thriving digital economy and creating quality job opportunities for the local youth.
This development is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to foster AI adoption and development across the continent. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been implementing strategies to promote AI literacy and create regulatory frameworks that ensure ethical AI usage. These efforts aim to position Nigeria as a leader in responsible AI development in Africa.
In addition to Wini University, Nigeria has recently launched a free AI Academy in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation. This initiative aims to equip Nigerians with critical AI skills, fostering a pipeline of innovators and leaders who will shape the country’s technological and economic future.
The establishment of Wini University and other AI-focused initiatives underscore Nigeria’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and preparing its workforce for the future, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
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