The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Wigwe University have initiated high-level talks to establish a strategic partnership focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, agricultural innovation, and digital talent development, reports ITREALMS.
Professor Al-Akaidi, a renowned authority in computer science with extensive experience in the UK and Middle East, articulated a bold vision for the institution to move beyond being a consumer of foreign technology to becoming a creator.
He revealed that the university already has a dedicated team of researchers working on AI for Health and plans to build a world-class AI center in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the goal is to create a locally driven engine that reflects Nigerian languages, culture, and specific national realities rather than remaining passive users of foreign tools.
Located in the heart of Rivers State, Wigwe University is positioned to lead research in AI-enabled food production and agricultural efficiency. Professor Al-Akaidi noted that while Nigeria possesses vast agricultural wealth, productivity remains low compared to global standards due to a lack of technology.
The partnership explores applying AI to livestock management, land use optimization, and predictive medical diagnostics for widespread illnesses like malaria.
Using Nigeria’s cattle population as an example, he argued that applying AI properly could multiply the nation's agricultural wealth by mirroring the high-output feeding systems used in more technologically advanced regions.
NITDA representatives, including Dr. Aristotle and Dr. Onumo, Director of Research and Development, noted that the university’s ambitions align perfectly with the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan.
Key areas identified for immediate collaboration include the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture.
These initiatives will allow joint research on unmanned aerial vehicles, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, while also virtualizing education to allow learners nationwide to access Wigwe University’s programs through digital infrastructure.
Addressing the need for curriculum reform, Al-Akaidi stressed that Nigerian universities must ensure students are not learning outdated content.
He highlighted that second-year students at Wigwe University are already demonstrating remarkable capability by developing a major educational app, showing the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.
Both institutions have agreed to set up dedicated workstreams to translate these discussions into actionable outcomes, ensuring that the collaboration delivers tangible benefits to Nigeria’s digital economy.
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