Prof. Adesina S. Sodiya Chairman, Advisory Board, PAIDeF Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF) Immediate Past President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) at the Inauguration & Award Ceremony


Artificial Intelligence (AI), which involves the development of digital systems and technologies that mimic human capabilities and capacities in problem-solving and decision-making, has become a prime technology today. Artificial intelligence is currently presenting tremendous opportunities, leading to breakthroughs in all spheres of live. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every segment of global economy and has become a huge market today.

It is expected that AI will profoundly reshape the social and economic landscape of our nation. It will definitively spark innovations and foster creative solutions. Individuals, corporate organizations and governments must embrace AI opportunities for competitive advantage and rapid national development. AI has new set of tools that are currently revolutionizing the whole world. The development in Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Autonomous Systems and Robotics is revolutionising the world and creating an unexpected future. AI is set to surpass humans at certain tasks, and its full potentials will continue to astonish the world.

Nigeria needs to give the required attention to AI for effective transformation to digital economy and efficient business operations. AI is an accelerator for innovation and has the power to bring big changes to Nigeria development. Recent research has estimated Artificial Intelligence to provide several trillions of dollars of global economic growth and Nigeria must benefit immensely from this. However, the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligent technology is still at low pace in Nigeria.

The developments in AI in the developed countries like USA, China, Canada, UK, France, Israel, UAE, etc are far ahead of Nigeria. Even, Nigeria is not even among the top 10 AI developed countries in Africa. The AI technologies and solutions emerging in other countries are astonishing and developmental. So, we thought something must be done.

Consequently, some of us in Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) decided to create this group to refocus AI revolution in Nigeria. This decision was taken on the 14th April, 2024 and the first meeting with interested members was held on th20th April, 2024. We were so amazed with number of people that have been attending the meeting of this group. This is an indication of strong interest of our members in AI. The Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF) was created to brace us to these challenges.

Today, I sincerely appreciate the over 100 IT professionals that have signed in to this foundation. We all have a big assignment to move AI to the next level in Nigeria. With the calibre of people I have seen, we can weather the storm together. PAIDeF is simply for intelligent and smart people. Objectively, all our foundation members have the ability and capability to growth indigenous AI technologies. We now a key responsibility of using AI to enhance our development. We must ensure that we create innovative AI solutions and technologies to develop transportation, agriculture, education, medicine, production, technology, business; and social and economic well being.

The work and business of AI development in Nigeria will officially commence today. We shall continue to support and engage government. We shall engage all stakeholders to achieve the aims of this group.

I would not end my presentation without thanking the members of the executive who have steered the affairs of this group in the last four months.The wonderful and exceptional contributions of the members of the Advisory board are well appreciated. We thank the President of NCS, secretariat team and everyone that have contributed to the success we are achieving today. Your overwhelming and staunch supports have made us to attain this milestone.

I see today as-
  •  * The day we are laying the foundation for the growth of AI in Nigeria
  •  * The we are redefining and rethinking AI
  •  * The day we initiating a project on building sound technical capacity development in AI
  •  * The day we are setting the path to accelerate AI adoption
  •  * The we want to start planning for the unknown

      • It is indeed a day of celebration!

      Once again, I welcome you to the group of the moment.

      Long live Practical Artificial Intelligence Development Foundation (PAIDeF)

      Long live NCS

      Long live Nigeria