In a thrilling development for Nigeria's tech future, the Federal Government has announced the establishment of the country's first National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, marking a transformative moment for research and innovation across the nation.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, shared this inspiring news during the 50th convocation ceremony at the University of Jos in Plateau State. The announcement signals Nigeria's commitment to becoming not just a participant, but a leader in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.

"University of Jos must not merely observe Nigeria's future; it must help to architect the future," Minister Tijani declared to an enthusiastic audience. His words capture the bold vision behind this initiative—one where Nigerian institutions actively shape the technological landscape rather than simply following trends set elsewhere.

The new centre represents far more than just another academic facility. It will serve as a dynamic national hub bringing together advanced research, comprehensive skills development, cutting-edge innovation, and thoughtful policy engagement. This holistic approach ensures that Nigeria's AI journey benefits students, researchers, policymakers, and ultimately all Nigerians.

What makes this initiative particularly exciting is its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural relevance. Minister Tijani, himself an alumnus of the University of Jos, emphasized that artificial intelligence systems must genuinely understand Nigeria's unique reality—its diverse languages, rich cultural heritage, and complex social structures. Rather than relying solely on foreign technologies and computing resources, the centre will prioritize locally relevant research and datasets.

"We are too big as a country not to participate in AI," the minister noted, highlighting Nigeria's rightful place at the global technology table. His vision extends beyond simple adoption of existing technologies to actual contribution and leadership, particularly among nations in the global south.

The minister offered an enlightening perspective on how today's AI giants achieved their prominence—not merely through powerful computers, but through years of dedicated academic investment in machine learning research. This observation underscores the wisdom of Nigeria's approach: building strong foundational research capacity that will bear fruit for generations to come.

Perhaps most inspiring is the minister's call for Nigeria to be "a thoughtful contributor and leader from the Global South" rather than "a passive rule-taker in global AI governance." This ambitious positioning reflects confidence in Nigerian talent and potential while acknowledging the importance of diverse voices in shaping technology's future.

The centre will receive full support from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, ensuring it has the resources needed to fulfill its ambitious mandate. For students and researchers at the University of Jos and beyond, this represents unprecedented opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology while addressing challenges specific to the Nigerian context.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies worldwide, Nigeria's proactive approach ensures the country won't just adapt to change—it will help drive it. This centre represents hope, opportunity, and recognition that Nigeria's future will be built by Nigerians, grounded in local wisdom while reaching for global excellence.