A strategic push to localise artificial intelligence (AI) development and modernise agriculture is gaining institutional momentum as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Wigwe University advance discussions on a broad-based collaboration spanning AI research, smart agriculture, digital literacy and emerging technologies.
At a high-level engagement in Abuja, NITDA officials and a delegation led by Wigwe University Vice Chancellor, Marwan Al Akaidi, explored areas of convergence between national technology policy and the university’s research-driven aspirations.
The talks signalled what both sides described as a practical, implementation-focused partnership designed to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement.
Professor Al Akaidi, who heads the young but ambitious Wigwe University established under the vision of the late Herbert Wigwe, said the institution was created to become “the University of Africa”, providing high quality teaching and transformative research for Nigeria and the continent.
He emphasised that Nigeria has immense talent but often lacks the opportunities and platforms to channel it effectively—an issue the university intends to solve through strong industry and government partnerships.
Drawing from his long academic and research career in the United Kingdom and the Middle East, Professor Al Akaidi shared that the university is already conducting work on AI for Health in Nigeria with a team of ten researchers.
He stressed his determination to build a full AI centre in the country, similar to the one he helped establish in Abu Dhabi, noting that although funding setbacks followed Herbert Wigwe’s passing, the ambition remains intact and urgent.
According to him, Wigwe University does not seek to become a passive user of foreign AI tools but aims to “create the Nigerian AI”—a locally driven, world class AI engine that reflects the country’s needs, languages and realities.
Beyond core AI systems, he outlined the university’s strategic advantage in agriculture. Located in Rivers State and surrounded by farming communities, Wigwe University sees significant opportunity in AI-enabled livestock management, land optimisation, food processing and productivity enhancement.
Using Nigeria’s cattle population as an example, he argued that technology can dramatically improve output: “In countries with fewer cattle, output is far higher because of new feeding systems and technology. If we apply AI properly, Nigeria’s agricultural wealth can multiply.”
He also highlighted AI’s application in hospitals and medical diagnosis, particularly in tackling prevalent diseases such as malaria.
NITDA’s representative, Dr Aristotle, welcomed the delegation, describing the Agency as “Nigeria’s technology powerhouse” with mandates covering IT development, regulation, innovation, research and standards.
He said the Vice Chancellor’s proposals align strongly with NITDA’s strategic direction and flagship initiatives, including the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and the National Adaptive Village for Smart Agriculture.
He commended Wigwe University’s focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, underscoring academia’s central role in the national technology ecosystem.
He further explained that NITDA’s interventions are anchored on the government’s priority agenda and the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, structured around pillars such as knowledge development, research and development, entrepreneurship, innovation and partnership.
Emphasising delivery over rhetoric, he assured the university of the Agency’s commitment: “Whatever we commit to, we will do. We understand the importance of partnership because no single institution has all the answers.”
Reinforcing the research dimension, NITDA’s Director of Research and Development, Dr Kumo, disclosed that the Agency is building a technology research ecosystem aimed at moving Nigeria into the top 25 per cent of global research performance.
He noted that Wigwe University’s interests—AI, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, the Internet of Things, blockchain and additive manufacturing—closely mirror NITDA’s research priorities. He also advocated the virtualisation of education, enabling learners across Nigeria to access Wigwe University’s programmes through technology and expanding national inclusivity.
From the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr Tambuwal emphasised NITDA’s commitment to cultivating a digitally literate population from foundational to tertiary levels.
He observed that many workers still lack the digital competence required for modern systems, making it imperative for universities to produce graduates who are technologically fluent and workforce-ready. He expressed readiness to collaborate with Wigwe University in advancing shared training and capacity-building initiatives.
Returning to curriculum and industry alignment, Professor Al Akaidi stressed that academia needs industry just as much as industry needs academia. He called for continuous curriculum review—particularly in computing, engineering and technology—to prevent obsolescence and ensure that students acquire relevant, forward-looking competencies.
He maintained that teaching must be anchored in active research, arguing that the true value of education lies in producing graduates who understand technology deeply and can lead innovation.
At Wigwe University, he noted, this philosophy is already yielding results, with second-year students preparing to launch a major educational app, demonstrating what young people can achieve when properly supported and challenged.
He reiterated that Nigerian universities must nurture graduates who are not merely job seekers but job creators, a culture Wigwe University is intentionally building. His appeal underscored the collaborative spirit of the engagement: “We need to work together. If we combine our strengths, we can produce something real for Nigeria and beyond.”
The meeting concluded with both institutions agreeing to transition from dialogue to structured implementation. Dedicated liaison teams will be identified, and specific workstreams mapped out across AI research, agricultural innovation, virtual learning, digital literacy, curriculum reform and emerging technologies.
With shared intent and complementary mandates, NITDA and Wigwe University are positioning their collaboration as a catalyst for shaping Nigeria’s technological future.
