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The Senate has initiated discussions on a proposal aimed at creating the Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Communication Technology Solutions Centre in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of initiatives to prepare Nigeria for global competition in digital technology and new knowledge-driven sectors.

The decision was discussed during Tuesday’s session, which was led by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), aims to establish a national organization focused on research, skill development, and partnerships in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, data science, and other cutting-edge technologies.

The suggested bill was initially introduced on May 27.

Pioneering the discussion on the core concepts of the bill, Adaramodu informed legislators that artificial intelligence and technological progress are currently influencing governance, business, education, healthcare, and national security globally.

Adaramodu cautioned that not making strategic investments in these areas might put Nigeria at a disadvantage.

He warned, ‘Countries that do not strategically invest in these technologies risk falling behind in the 21st-century knowledge-based economy.’

He stated that the center is anticipated to function as a research and training facility that connects government, business, and academic sectors, with an emphasis on providing young Nigerians with competitive digital and AI-related abilities.

He mentioned that Omuo-Ekiti was chosen since Ekiti State is already known as a “center of education, knowledge, and intellectual resources” in Nigeria.

He stated that the creation of the center would encourage innovation and economic growth in the South-West region and throughout the nation.

The Senator stated, “Once fully operational, the center is anticipated to: act as a national hub for creating indigenous digital solutions to address issues in agriculture, health, education, and public service delivery.”

It will further enable Nigerian young people to vie internationally within the AI and technological landscape, while decreasing reliance on foreign technologies through promoting local creativity.

Adaramodu also emphasized that the bill aims not to introduce excessive red tape but to set up a center of excellence designed to propel technological progress across the country.

“Artificial Intelligence represents the next stage of human advancement. All advanced countries are focusing on AI development and research facilities. Nigeria must not fall behind,” he stated.

He urged legislators to back the initiative, calling it a “strategic move” in positioning Nigeria within the global tech scene.

Nigeria’s efforts to implement artificial intelligence have faced ongoing obstacles such as insufficient financial support for research, inadequate broadband connectivity in remote regions, and worries about the overlap of current organizations.

The organizations consist of the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.

Lawmakers in past discussions have also questioned the long-term viability, staffing levels, and the potential for new federal organizations to be left unused or neglected.

Nevertheless, supporters claim that without specialized centers concentrating solely on AI skills, Nigeria will continue to rely on imported technologies instead of developing local solutions that can create employment and foster emerging sectors.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).