By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Society for Women Engineers (SWE) has urged students at all levels to channel their knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into developing practical solutions that address societal problems.

Programme Director of SWE, Stella Dennis, made the call on Friday during an innovation lab session in Abuja themed “AI for All- Practical Session”.

The event was organised in collaboration with American Spaces and SWEBaze University.

Dennis stressed the importance of equipping students, teachers, and young professionals with hands-on skills in AI to respond to real-time challenges, noting that the world is rapidly evolving into a tech-driven society.

“The world is now a global village with a myriad of real-world problems. We need real-time, innovative solutions through artificial intelligence.

“My expectation after this is that the participants will continue building solutions that are practical and relevant, solutions that can solve problems in our society”.

She noted that the initiative targets university students, primary and secondary school learners, and educators.

She added that participants were introduced to the use of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity as part of a broader STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programme.

“We are training them to create their own solutions. Even in cases of malware or cyber intrusion, they will understand how to respond effectively.

“For us, STEM is not just a concept; it’s a tool for solving real-world problems,” Dennis added.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI development.

He was represented by Mr Abdullahi Abubakar from the agency’s Policy and Regulatory Department.

He said NITDA had developed a national AI strategy aimed at leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population and abundant talent to position the country as a leading AI hub in Africa.

“NITDA is not just regulating AI use but developing AI tools and coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts.

“We want to ensure that AI is used responsibly, whether in academia, the private sector, or public institutions, for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

He commended SWE for its impact-driven approach, especially in using technology to empower women and young people.

Also speaking, SWE Chairperson, Ololade Okobi, emphasised that AI is not just the future, it is already shaping the present.

She encouraged Nigerians to embrace AI and prepare for the changing job landscape by developing relevant digital skills.

“AI will not eliminate jobs, it will transform them. People must develop themselves to remain relevant in this new economy.

“The world is not going to wait for Nigeria. We must adapt and move forward,” Okobi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade