The Federal Government has trained no fewer than 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as part of efforts to develop a digitally skilled workforce.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the 10th Annual Symposium and Awards of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter. The event, hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), was themed: “Advancing Sustainability through AI-Driven Chemistry.”
Nnaji, represented by Dr Patricks Oghuma, Special Assistant to the Minister and Team Lead for Technical and Administrative Projects in the Ministry’s Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation (PROD-ME) unit, said the government is formulating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The strategy aims to provide a unified roadmap for ethical and inclusive AI adoption across Nigeria.
“Today, we stand at the intersection of a revolution where AI and chemistry converge to create new frontiers. This powerful synergy envisions a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” he said.
Nnaji emphasised the critical role chemists must play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the need to bridge the gap between research, application, and policy.
“Many brilliant scientific contributions remain confined to academic journals and shelves, far from the industries and policymakers who could turn them into real-world solutions,” he said. “Chemistry is central to the SDGs, and this symposium offers a platform to generate ideas that can strengthen our nation.”
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said chemistry’s role as a foundational science is more vital than ever as the world confronts pressing challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and resource scarcity.
“With the integration of AI – its ability to model, predict, and optimise – we now have new opportunities to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and develop sustainable technologies,” Peters said. “At NOUN, we are committed to accessible, technology-driven education and cutting-edge research that addresses national development and global goals.”
Professor Edu Inam, Chair of ACS Nigeria, noted that the society continues to organise campus events and outreach programmes to promote research and mentorship.
Awards were presented to distinguished members, including Prof. Peters and immediate past Chair, Prof. Joshua Obaleye.
