NITDA Tasks Youths on Home-Grown AI Solutions to Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged young Nigerians to take the lead in developing indigenous artificial intelligence solutions capable of addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The call was made during an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by the agency in partnership with VibeCode Africa in Abuja.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal through Mrs Udoka Mannie, said Nigeria’s youthful population offers a strategic advantage for innovation and digital transformation.
He noted that the hackathon provided a platform for participants from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and build practical AI-driven solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.
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According to him, with over 60 per cent of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country is well-positioned to benefit from emerging technologies if its human capital is properly harnessed.
“As you can see, this room is filled with young people; this represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.
Inuwa observed that artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies, governance, and societies globally, stressing that Nigeria must decide whether to actively shape the technology for national development or remain a passive consumer.
He reiterated that NITDA’s mandate includes developing and regulating information technology to ensure it drives economic growth and national development.
The NITDA boss added that the agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department is focused on equipping Nigerians with relevant skills to participate in the global digital economy.
He stressed that the Digital Literacy for All initiative as a flagship programme aimed at achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, in line with Federal Government targets.
“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.
He urged participants to prioritise impact-driven innovation over prizes, noting that sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, and public service delivery require urgent technological solutions.
Inuwa also emphasised the need for ethical considerations, data protection, and inclusiveness in the development of AI systems.
“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he added.
He commended VibeCode Africa for partnering with NITDA, describing such collaborations as critical to driving innovation at scale.
Inuwa further encouraged participants to collaborate, experiment, and learn quickly, noting that the future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria would be driven by local innovators.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported. It will be built by people like you in rooms like this,” he said.
In her opening remarks, the Founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, urged participants to leverage artificial intelligence to address real-life challenges, stressing that Africa must position itself as a hub for innovation rather than a talent source for foreign economies.
She explained that unlike previous editions, participants were not assigned sectors but were encouraged to identify problems within their communities and develop solutions.
“We’re not going to give you any industry. We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the problems your brothers and sisters are facing?” she said.
Adey identified issues such as electricity shortages, insecurity, and gaps in social services as areas where young innovators could make meaningful impact through technology.
She added that the initiative aims to create pathways for entrepreneurship, employment, and global opportunities, rather than just discussions.
“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.
She also encouraged participants to remain focused and collaborative, noting that the hackathon could connect them with future partners, investors, and employers.
