(SINL NIGERIA) A bill for the establishment of Artificial intelligence Centre at Omuo Ekiti in Ekiti state scaled second reading at the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC,Ekiti South).
In a lead debate on the bill, the Senate spokesman said the proposed centre would serve as a national hub for research, innovation, and development in AI and emerging technologies.
According to Adaramodu, the bill aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global digital economy, capturing Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Communication Technology Solutions.
He observed that artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and advanced technologies are the drivers of governance, commerce, education, healthcare, and national security.
He however warned that nations that fail to invest strategically in these technologies risk being left behind in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
“The bill seeks to establish a specialised centre that will promote research and innovation in AI, robotics, data science, and other related technologies”.
He explained that the centre would encourage collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector, while equipping young Nigerians with cutting-edge digital and AI-based skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The senator emphasized that the reputation of Ekiti State in the pursuit of education and knowledge informed the choice of the location of the centre.
“The establishment of this Centre in Omuo-Ekiti will not only stimulate research and innovation but also catalyse economic growth in the South-West region and across the country,” he said.
