Nigeria to Establish Robotics, AI Institute, STEM Education, Says Former Minister, Bart Nnaji

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Nigeria is set to welcome a new Institute dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence, spearheaded by founder of the Geometric Power Group, Professor Bart Nnaji. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that the former Minister of Science and Technology revealed this milestone during a lecture marking the centenary of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, an Institution owned by the Catholic Church in Anambra and Enugu states.  

A distinguished scholar and expert in artificial intelligence, Professor Nnaji, shared that the Federal Government has approved the Institute following rigorous scrutiny by the Attorney General's office and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). 

The application for the Institute was initially submitted in 2017, and after four years of evaluation, it was deemed a critical step for Nigeria’s advancement in technology.  

OTN News further gathered that the Institute’s mission is to advance learning in computer science, robotics, and AI while issuing certifications in the development of autonomous systems. 

Nnaji emphasized the Institute’s role in fostering cutting-edge research and training in intelligent machine design, ensuring minimal reliance on human intervention in these technologies.  

An engineer and consultant, Dike Ejike, lauded the initiative, calling it a visionary step taken even before the global explosion of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT in late 2022. 

Ejike urged both Nigerians and the Government to rally behind the Institute to position Nigeria competitively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.  

Nnaji also highlighted the need for Nigeria to prioritize STEM education, drawing parallels with Vietnam, which annually produces 90,000 STEM graduates to support global tech giants like Nvidia. 

He advocated for introducing world-class economics and management programs in Nigeria to complement scientific advancements, ensuring holistic national development.  

In a related call, Nnaji urged Bigard Memorial Seminary to upgrade its academic offerings. 

He recommended affiliating postgraduate programs with established Universities or applying to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for University status. 

However, his proposal aligns with global standards, drawing inspiration from similar Institutions that grant master’s degrees after rigorous theological and philosophical studies.