As Nigeria advances its efforts to shape a future powered by responsible artificial intelligence, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) on the country’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS).
The submission, addressed to Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Director of NCAIR under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlights key priorities for youth inclusion, digital literacy, data governance, and ethical AI development.
BBYDI, a youth-led civic organization committed to promoting digital inclusion and sustainable development, praised the government’s vision and leadership in developing a national AI framework. “This strategy is not just timely—it is critical,” said Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, Executive Director of BBYDI. “It presents a unique opportunity to position Nigeria as a leader in inclusive and ethical AI development.”
Among the organization’s key recommendations are:
Youth Inclusion and Capacity Building: The creation of a National Youth in AI Fellowship, integration of AI curricula in schools, and the development of innovation hubs in underserved communities.
Grassroots Engagement: Launching civil society-led digital AI literacy campaigns and promoting indigenous knowledge systems to ensure inclusive awareness and reduce algorithmic bias.
Data Governance and Sovereignty: Establishing an open-source, ethics-driven Data Governance Framework aligned with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Ethical AI Development: Expanding the AI Ethics Expert Group (AIEEG) to include diverse voices and producing sector-specific ethical toolkits.
Funding and Implementation: Advocating for a time-bound implementation roadmap with clear funding channels and strong public-private partnerships, including diaspora engagement.
Sector-Specific AI Solutions: Recommending AI applications tailored to the Nigerian context in education, healthcare, agriculture, and justice.
The initiative emphasized the importance of aligning AI development with national priorities and public needs, stressing that the strategy must leave no one behind. “Our input reflects the voices of young Nigerians and underrepresented communities who must be part of this AI revolution,” Jimoh-Sanni added.
BBYDI expressed its readiness to support ongoing policy dialogues and grassroots mobilization efforts as the country moves toward implementing the national strategy.
Nigeria’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is part of the government’s broader commitment to innovation, technology, and digital transformation as outlined in the Ministry’s strategic blueprint.
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