News

Nigeria’s First AI University to Open in Lagos

Published

6 months ago

January 23, 2025

By Our Correspondent

Nigeria is set to open its first artificial intelligence (AI), university in Epe, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in advancing AI education across Africa.

Named Wini University, the institution aims to equip young Nigerians with advanced AI skills, addressing unemployment and positioning the continent as a hub for technological innovation.

Inspired by the first AI university in Qatar, Wini University aspires to attract top-tier academics and innovators from around the globe.

The project, initiated in 2016 by a visionary collaboration between Nigerian and Boston-based experts, has undergone years of planning, securing National Universities Commission (NUC), interest, and building stakeholder support.

Wini University is envisioned as Africa’s first AI-focused institution and the foundation for an AI-powered Silicon Valley on the continent.

It aims to foster a thriving community of academics and students passionate about leveraging AI and quantum computing to drive progress in Africa and beyond.

Beyond academics, the university seeks to transform Lagos into Africa’s innovation hub, where technology is harnessed to solve real-world challenges.

The curriculum will include cutting-edge fields such as blockchain, cloud computing, generative AI, data science, and machine learning, preparing students to lead in the global AI market.

This bold initiative underscores the growing importance of AI, echoing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2013 declaration that dominance in AI would define the next global superpower.

Education

FG Rolls Out AI Training for Teachers to Boost Tech Education in Schools

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Rofiat Olokuta

The Federal Government has unveiled a pioneering initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), into Nigeria’s public school classrooms.

Launched on July 7, 2025, the programme, Experience AI in Nigeria is set to train over 3,150 secondary school teachers across five southwestern states.

Spearheaded by NerdzFactory in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and funded by Google.org, the initiative introduces teachers to the basics of AI and machine learning.

These educators will, in turn, train more than 150,000 students, fostering early exposure to future-ready tech skills.

The hybrid training model blends online learning with hands-on workshops, ensuring inclusive participation from both urban and rural schools.

Running until December 2026, the programme marks a major step in Nigeria’s push to align its education system with global digital advancements and prepare its youth for emerging careers in technology.

News

Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja Set to Become Next Olubadan

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Huldah Shado

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is on track to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In line with Ibadan’s traditional succession system, the Olubadan stool alternates between two royal lines – Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).

With the late Oba Olakulehin coming from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja currently holds the position of Otun Olubadan, the most senior chief.

Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and previously served as a senator, has steadily climbed the traditional hierarchy.

His elevation in August 2024 to Otun Olubadan formally qualifies him for the revered throne.

He recently marked his 80th birthday in September 2024, further solidifying his legacy in both political and traditional leadership.

News

Agege LG Honours MKO Abiola with Modern Market Project

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Agege Local Government in Lagos has begun the construction of a modern market complex named after late statesman and 1993 presidential election winner, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

The MKO Abiola Market is aimed at boosting commercial activity and providing hygienic, accessible stalls for local traders and small business owners.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Executive Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi described the project as a legacy initiative and a tribute to Abiola’s ideals of justice, equity, and economic empowerment.

He noted that the project, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership with Urban Shelter and Truworth Ventures, would create jobs, support businesses, and enhance the visual appeal of Agege.

Egunjobi also listed key achievements of his administration, including the construction of new classroom blocks, the establishment of Nigeria’s first CBT centre by a local government, improved healthcare services, free ambulance operations, and monthly financial aid to over 8,000 traders and artisans.

He assured residents of continuity in development efforts, with upcoming projects like a luxury estate and road rehabilitation already underway.

The MKO Abiola Market, he said, is a lasting symbol of progress and a call for residents to preserve it for future generations.