Nigeria, Commonwealth Unite to Reduce Unemployment with AI Skills
Commonwealth Backs Nigeria's AI-Driven Employment Push
“This partnership with the Commonwealth and Intel will enable millions of Nigerians to gain practical, industry-ready Al knowledge...”
Nigeria's AI Academy tackles climate change, public health via inclusive training for marginalized communities.
Nigeria is taking a significant step towards advancing its technological capabilities through a strategic partnership with the Commonwealth. Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, recently met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. This high-level bilateral meeting aimed to strengthen their collaboration and unlock new opportunities.
The Commonwealth, comprising 56 nations, is committed to achieving shared goals of prosperity, democracy, and peace. As the intergovernmental body, the Commonwealth Secretariat plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing various activities, supported by a network of over 80 organizations.
Key Partnership Highlights:
Capacity Building: The partnership focuses on providing specialized AI courses for different sectors through the Commonwealth AI Academy, backed by Intel.
Economic Growth: Aims to boost economic growth and productivity across Africa.
Socio-Economic Impact: Addresses socio-economic challenges and improves productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
This initiative is part of Nigeria's efforts to establish itself as a leader in AI development across Africa. With the African Development Bank and Intel also collaborating to equip millions of Africans with AI skills, the continent is poised for a digital transformation.
The Federal Government, via the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has teamed up with the Commonwealth to offer a capacity-building program through the Commonwealth AI Academy. This exciting development was announced by Dr. Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on October 1 at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the US.
The program aims to equip millions of Nigerians with practical, industry-ready Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge, positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI adoption and innovation across Africa. This initiative is crucial, given Nigeria's rising unemployment rate, which reached 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024. The youth are disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 8.4% among those aged 15-24.
Key Areas of Focus:
Enhancing Governance: Leveraging AI to improve public services and decision-making
Agricultural Development: Using AI to boost crop yields and agricultural productivity
Healthcare Advancements: Applying AI to improve healthcare outcomes and accessibility
The partnership also aligns with the Commonwealth's broader goals of creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital space for its citizens. By collaborating with the Commonwealth and Intel, Nigeria is poised to transform its workforce and drive economic growth through AI-driven innovation.
Nigeria's unemployment rate has risen to 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, up from 5.0% in Q3 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This increase underscores the urgent need for effective skill development programs, particularly among youth aged 15-24, who face an unemployment rate of 8.4%.
To address this challenge, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has emphasized the timeliness of the AI Academy initiative. This program aims to enhance the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in key sectors such as governance, agriculture, and healthcare. By doing so, it aligns with the Commonwealth's broader objectives of fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital environment for its citizens.
Key Focus Areas of the AI Academy:
Governance: Improving public services and decision-making through AI
Agriculture: Boosting crop yields and agricultural productivity with AI-driven solutions
Healthcare: Enhancing healthcare outcomes and accessibility through AI applications
This initiative is crucial, given Nigeria's rising unemployment rate and the need for innovative solutions to drive economic growth and development.
Minister Nnaji emphasized that the AI Academy will address pressing developmental challenges, including climate change and public health, through inclusive training initiatives.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General highlighted that the collaboration will lay the groundwork for Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness and literacy among Commonwealth countries, enabling them to harness technology for socio-economic advancement. This initiative is crucial in today's digital landscape, where AI is revolutionizing industries and transforming the way we live and work.
The goal is to empower Commonwealth countries to effectively utilize AI, promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. By focusing on AI literacy, the partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all member states can benefit from AI-driven innovations.
Key Objectives:
Enhance AI Awareness: Foster a deeper understanding of AI's potential and limitations among Commonwealth citizens.
Promote AI Literacy: Develop essential skills for leveraging AI in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Drive Socio-Economic Progress: Utilize AI to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, economic inequality, and access to quality education.
The collaboration will empower Commonwealth countries to thrive in the AI era, fostering growth, innovation, and improved quality of life.
He noted, “Nigeria's ongoing agricultural reforms integrate advanced technologies such as Enhanced Rock Weathering and biochar to improve soil health and increase crop yields, aligning these efforts with Nigeria's Nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.”
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, a non-binding agreement that aims to safeguard global land resources, combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and promote sustainable land management. This charter is a significant step towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
By endorsing the Living Lands Charter, Nigeria joins 55 other Commonwealth countries in pledging to:
Safeguard Global Land Resources: Protect and preserve land for future generation.
Combat Climate Change: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C
Promote Sustainable Land Management: Encourage eco-friendly practices and reduce land degradation.
The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter is implemented through five key thematic areas, including:
- Climate Resilient Agriculture for Food Security
- Soil and Water Conservation and Management
- Sustainable Green Cover and Biodiversity
- Carbon Neutral and Climate Resilient Livestock Rearing and Animal Husbandry
- Indigenous and Local People and Climate Resilient Development
Nigeria's dedication to sustainable practices is crucial in addressing the country's environmental challenges and promoting a healthier planet for all.
Nigeria is set to take a proactive stance at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) 29 conference, with plans to showcase innovative, technology-driven solutions to combat climate change. This move is part of the country's commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues, such as land degradation, flash floods, and gully erosion, which have become more intense due to climate variability. By leveraging technology, Nigeria aims to promote sustainable development and reduce its carbon footprint.
Some potential solutions that Nigeria might present at COP 29 include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Climate Action: AI-powered technologies that predict flooding patterns, optimize agri-food systems, and improve renewable energy efficiency.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Innovative designs and materials for infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Sustainable Land Management: Techniques and practices that reduce land degradation, promote reforestation, and support biodiversity.
Nigeria's active involvement in COP 29 demonstrates its dedication to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, aligning with the country's Climate Change Act and Energy Transition Plan.
Leaders from Nigeria and the Commonwealth have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable technologies across member nations. This partnership aims to transform Nigeria's workforce by aligning education with the growing demand for tech skills, tackling the pressing issue of 14.4% of youth not engaged in education, employment, or training.
Nigeria seeks to harness this initiative to guide its young people toward productive paths, fostering economic resilience and growth. By embracing this partnership, Nigeria can leverage the Commonwealth's expertise and resources to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development. This collaborative effort will empower Nigerian youth with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
Workforce Transformation: Aligning educational initiatives with technological demands
Youth Empowerment: Guiding young Nigerians toward productive paths
Economic Growth: Fostering resilience and growth through sustainable technologies
Innovation: Developing solutions for sustainable development
The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) is already making strides in this direction, with a focus on leveraging AI for good and promoting digital skills among women and youth. With Nigeria's active involvement, this partnership is poised to drive meaningful change and propel the country toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
“The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology remains dedicated to driving Nigeria's sustainable development through strategic applications of science and technology, positioning the country as a leader in the global tech landscape,” he added.
“Through partnerships with international organisations and the private sector, the Ministry focuses on building the capacity of Nigerians in emerging technologies such as Al, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
“Its mission is to foster a tech-driven economy that ensures inclusive growth, enhances environmental sustainability, and creates job opportunities for all Nigerians,” the minister concluded.
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