Develop African AI alternatives to tackle the continent's challenges, University of Lagos VC

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has called on African countries to develop homegrown artificial intelligence solutions. Ogunsola claimed that these African-native AI solutions should be developed to tackle challenges faced by the continent.

The University of Lagos VC made the call at the 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (MIRG-ICAIR 2025), held for three days at the University of Lagos Multipurpose Hall, Akoka, Lagos.

The conference, which was themed “Building Sustainable AI-Driven Transformation Infrastructures for African Economies,” was attended by undergraduates and postgraduate students, as well as participants from other institutions worldwide. Several technology organizations also participated in the event, showcasing AI tools and other innovations.

University of Lagos VC urges African-native AI solutions

Speaking at the conference, Ogunsola, represented by Prof Olufemi Saibu, the Director of Quality Assurance and Servicom Unit, said that Africa needs robust and scalable digital technologies to improve productivity. In addition, she noted that these technologies can also be used to address sector-specific challenges. She mentioned that the University of Lagos has continued to lead in AI research and innovation, with recent initiatives aimed at positioning students to be leaders in emerging technologies.

She said, “At the University of Lagos, we are making giant strides in AI research. Just last month (October), we launched the ‘OpenAI Academy for Africa,’ and by the end of this month, we will be launching a world-class AI lab donated by the United Nations programmes.” She also added that the school is committed to raising the standards in educating, empowering, and improving the deployment of AI across Africa.

Ogunsola added that the school is planning to create a Faculty of Computing and Informatics. She noted that it is a deliberate attempt to build a unit that will be focused on technology, but will also develop solutions that are Africa-oriented and indigenous to the challenges of the continent.

Speaking at the event was Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria. He was represented by the National Director for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Dr Bunmi Ajala.

Dr Ajala highlighted that AI has been reshaping economies and transforming sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services. “AI is our present reality, and it is reshaping the economy. It has gone beyond technological trends; it is a fundamental infrastructure for improving productivity across key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services,” he said. “For Nigeria, a nation brimming with youthful talent but facing solvable challenges, AI offers an opportunity to leapfrog developmental stages and transform our economy. AI is already making a significant impact.”

Professor of the School of Information and Department of Linguistics at the University of British Columbia, Muhammad Abdul-Mageed, also spoke at the event, urging Adrian researchers to build AI tools that reflect the continent’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

“We speak many languages, and we don’t have to rely on technology developed elsewhere. It’s time to build our own solutions. Every profession needs technology to thrive. We represent the communities we belong to, and we must look for solutions to their problems. The future is Africa,” he said.

Dr Chika Yinka-Banjo, the University of Lagos Head of Department of Computer Science, also noted that the department has become a vibrant hub for innovation. “I want to use this opportunity to say that Computer Science, which is under the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, is a vibrant department. This group, MIRG, is also vibrant. I want to welcome everyone, and I wish you a successful conference.”

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