Minister Of Innovation - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Muhyideen Jimoh
Dec, Thu, 2024

FG unveils free AI academy

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By Emmanuel Jonathan

The Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme was set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.

While emphasising that the online programme was free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation.

“The AI Academy is free and the registration is open from today and will run until Jan. 30, 2025.

“I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills.

“The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians–students, youths and civil servants–to acquire critical skills in AI.

“In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge.”

The minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications.

He said that beyond learning the AI Technology, it offered opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation as well as ensuring hands-on global experience.

Nnaji said that the role of AI in nation-building could not be over emphasised as AI was no longer a distant concept.

He said that it was a transformative tool that could drive progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, security and many other sectors.

“By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny.

“Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation.’’

Nnaji expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation for their unwavering support in bringing the vision to life.

He said that the collaboration reflected the power of international partnerships in driving innovation and sustainable development.

“Together, we are showcasing the power of collaboration between government, industry and international organisations.

“As we unveil the AI Academy, we are laying the foundation for a new era of innovation; one where Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Tue, 2024

Economy/Business

We are leveraging on artificial intelligence to reposition mining – President Tinubu

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By Martha Agas

President Bola Tinubu says that his administration is leveraging advanced technology in mining operations as part of efforts to reposition the sector.

President Tinubu stated this while declaring open the ninth Nigeria Mining Week on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Our administration is leveraging on advanced technology or artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and data analytics to revolutionise exploration, extraction, and processing,” he said.

Represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, he said that in the rapidly evolving world, technological innovation was essential to remain competitive on the global stage.

The president stated that his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ administration was committed to driving a mining sector that serves as a global model of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.

Tinubu further said that the mining sector was being revamped through reforms to adapt to the changing landscape and strengthen the local economy.

“These reforms underscore our commitment to fair revenue distribution, environmental sustainability, and social economic welfare of our communities, ensuring that the wealth of Nigeria`s resources benefits every citizen.

According to the president, through strategic global partnerships, Nigeria was unlocking new markets and showcasing its mineral wealth on the international scene.

He said that the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the mining sector and chart a course for its transformation.

“We gather not just to convene but to chart a transformative path for Nigeria`s mining industry, an industry brimming with the potential to fuel our economy and secure a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said that the Tinubu administration has introduced policies and regulations aimed at addressing the gaps in the solid minerals sector.

Alake stated that the policies include a value addition policy requiring investors to present plans for adding value to minerals before exporting them from the country.

He pointed out that a dual-pronged approach was adopted to address illegal mining and secure mining sites across the country, utilising both coercive and persuasive measures.

He explained that, through the coercive method, a special security unit was established, deploying mining marshals to secure sites, adding that the unit has arrested 300 illegal miners.

“We are also introducing satellite technology monitoring to aid monitoring, “ he said.

He said a new regime of mining rates was introduced to sanitise the sector and create opportunities for serious investors, who have been entering the sector in droves.

He expressed confidence that the mining industry would continue to grow as a cornerstone of Nigeria`s economy with the collaboration of all stakeholders.

The minister expressed hope that the exchange of ideas at the conference would help ensure the country’s mineral wealth generates sustainable economic growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the mining week is ‘From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Wed, 2024

Science & Tech

Minister calls for implementation of STI policies for national devt

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By Sylvester Thompson

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has underscored the need for the full implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies to drive national development.

The minister made the call at the eight edition of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology Media Award Ceremony and Gala Night on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vision to drive development shall remain just an agenda discussed in workshops and conferences unless the critical role science and technology plays in daily life is recognised.

Nnaji noted that though various governments across the continent acknowledged the importance of integrating science and technology into their development agendas, many have not gone beyond organising conferences and workshops.

He decried the fact that many of these plans still remain on paper, adding that numerous trained scientists keep departing Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad.

“We are in effect producing doctors and researchers for the developed world, while many of our own hospitals are struggling with shortages of personnel.

“This is a critical issue that the media must highlight, it is time for our governments to implement deliberate policies that promote science and technology,’’ he said.

According to him, this will provide the motivation and incentives necessary for Nigerian scientists to stay and contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The minister urged the media to promote local content, stressing that in spite of challenges, Nigerian scientists continue to innovate.

“Science is a global endeavour, and Nigeria will continue to explore its potential to improve the lives of citizens, especially in the areas of food security and nutrition,’’ Nnaji said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) said biotechnology has emerged as a beacon of hope in the field of agriculture.

He said that the technology offered innovative solutions to pressing challenges confronting contemporary society.

“From climate change-induced stresses to the need for increased food production, to feeding a growing global population, the science of biotechnology has provided us with tools and techniques to navigate these complex issues,’’ he said.

Mustapha noted that the theme of the event, “Inform, Educate, Inspire: Celebrating Exceptional Agricultural Biotech Reporting,’’ was aptly chosen.

According to the D-G, information is power, and media is the guiding light, serving as a bridge that connects advancements and breakthroughs in biotechnology to the broader public.

He said the OFAB media award serve as a testament to the importance of responsible journalism and media communication in the critical field of biotechnology.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology department of the NBRDA noted that a broad and collaborative partnership had been fostered between OFAB and the media over the last eight years.

“The platform has not just recognised excellence in science journalism, it has fundamentally transformed the narrative around biotechnology in Nigeria.

“The partnership and dedication journalists have shown in the discharge of their responsibilities have positively impacted public perception and understanding of biotechnology application in agriculture,’’ she said.

Gidado said that efforts of science journalists was instrumental in Nigeria’s successful commercialisation of several significant biotech crops including genetically modified beans and TELA maize.

Dr Jean Baptiste, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Regional Representative, remarked that science and technology was fundamental drivers of progress, especially in agriculture.

“Innovations in agricultural biotechnology, mechanisation, and climate-smart practices hold the potential to address food insecurity, improve livelihoods, and empower small holder farmers across Africa,’’ Baptiste said.

Dr Umar Bindir, Former Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, (NOTAP), the keynote speaker, made a presentation on: “The Media and Intellectual Property Rights: What Journalists must know.’’

Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards of recognition to journalists who emerged winners in various media categories.

Mr Oche Odeh, of Africa STI, an online media was declared the overall winner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh