Nigeria is on the brink of a technological revolution as Professor Bart Nnaji, renowned scientist, engineer, and founder of the Geometric Power Group, spearheads the establishment of the nation’s first institute dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Unveiling this groundbreaking initiative at the 100th-anniversary lecture of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nnaji emphasized the institute’s transformative potential for Nigeria’s technological landscape. The seminary, owned by the Catholic Church, serves communities in Anambra and Enugu states.
Professor Nnaji, a former Minister of Science and Technology and later Minister of Power, brings unparalleled expertise to this endeavor. His postdoctoral fellowship in Artificial Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and subsequent roles as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Pittsburgh underscore his global influence.
Nnaji revealed that the institute’s application, submitted in 2017, underwent a rigorous review process by the federal government. After four years of scrutiny by the Attorney General’s office and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was deemed a national priority to establish such an advanced facility.
The robotics and AI institute will focus on three core objectives:
1. Education: Offering certifications in computer sciences, intelligent machine technology, and robotics.
2. Skill Development: Training students to design hardware for autonomous tasks.
3. Research: Advancing algorithms for intelligent behavior with minimal human input.
Dike Ejike, a mechanical engineer and consultant who attended the lecture, lauded the initiative as visionary. He noted that this step predates the global buzz surrounding generative AI tools like ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, which have redefined learning, research, and business practices worldwide.
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Professor Nnaji also urged the Nigerian government to prioritize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Citing Vietnam’s success in producing 90,000 STEM graduates annually, he argued that Nigeria must invest in such programs to compete globally.
“The AI race is defining 21st-century development,” Nnaji said. He highlighted that global tech giants like Nvidia and Apple are seeking top STEM talent, making it crucial for Nigeria to rise to the challenge.
Nnaji’s advocacy extends beyond technology. He called for the integration of world-class economics and management programs into Nigeria’s education system. He emphasized that strong leadership and managerial expertise are critical for sustaining technological advancements and driving economic growth.
In his address, Nnaji proposed an academic upgrade for Bigard Seminary, suggesting that its intensive eight-year program should culminate in master’s degrees, similar to international theological institutions. He recommended affiliations with local or foreign universities to enhance the seminary’s academic standing.
Although Nnaji did not disclose the institute’s exact location or operational timeline, the initiative has sparked widespread excitement. Industry experts and academics alike see it as a vital step toward positioning Nigeria as a global player in AI and robotics.
