The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on Nigerians to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for wealth creation, innovation, and national development.
Speaking at the 6th edition of the Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS), themed “Toward a More Inclusive Governance of AI,” the Senior Program Officer at CITAD, Isa Garba, emphasized the importance of understanding and utilizing AI responsibly.
Garba highlighted that AI is already influencing various aspects of daily life, from social media algorithms to personalized content. He urged Nigerians to learn how to control and apply AI for productive purposes, stating, “We need to wake up, learn AI, and use it to create wealth and drive development.”
The summit also featured discussions on the potential risks of AI, including its misuse in spreading disinformation and threatening democracy.
Professor Bala Mohammed of Bayero University, Kano, cautioned that wrongful deployment of AI could become one of the greatest communication challenges confronting African countries.
CITAD’s call to action encourages Nigerians to move beyond fear and engage with AI technologies to harness their potential for societal advancement. The organization advocates for the development of a national AI policy framework to guide the ethical and inclusive use of AI in the country.
