UNILAG seeks partnerships on AI development in Africa
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folashade Ogunsola has advocated the importance of equitable partnerships in a bid to strengthen the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa. She stated this during the university’s International Week 2025, themed: “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” stressing that the existence of AI […]
The Senate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday appointed Professor Folashade Ogunsola as the new acting vice chancellor of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folashade Ogunsola has advocated the importance of equitable partnerships in a bid to strengthen the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa.
She stated this during the university’s International Week 2025, themed: “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” stressing that the existence of AI depends on the active participation of Africans to champion the lead in the world.
“Artificial Intelligence is not the future; it is the present. And yet, for Africa, AI represents something deeper. It is an opportunity to leapfrog limitations, to reimagine education, healthcare, governance, and industry. But for AI to truly serve Africa, the foundation must be equitable partnerships; partnerships rooted not in charity, but in shared growth, mutual respect, and co-creation.
“Africa must not be a passive consumer in the AI revolution. We must be active contributors, thoughtful leaders, and builders of contextually relevant solutions. This is not optional. It is necessary,” she said.
She added the university is committed to becoming a hub of excellence in artificial intelligence, innovation, and interdisciplinary research, highlighting critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical reasoning as the core elements to survive in AI-driven world.
“But let me be honest about our challenges too. Studies show that across Africa, far too many university graduates lack essential job market skills. This is not referring only to technical knowledge. In an AI-driven world, the skills that matter most are critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical reasoning. Unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of liberal arts competencies that universities sometimes neglect in favor of narrow technical training.
“We’re addressing this head-on. Our students don’t just study AI – they grapple with its ethical implications. They consider who benefits and who might be harmed. Our engineering students work with partners in Europe on sustainable software development to rethink environmental justice, digital equity, and how technology can serve or exploit communities,” she said.
The minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, represented by the director at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Olubunmi Ajala described partnerships as the transformative potential for AI development in Africa.
“AI is no longer a concept. AI is no longer a concept. It is a reality reshaping economics, society and the very fabric of our human interaction. It is a moment where the world stands at the intersection of an unprecedented technological advancement and equally unprecedented global challenges.
“From revolutionizing healthcare, delivery in remote communities, to enhancing agricultural productivity, from democratizing access to education, to strengthening governance systems, AI is imagined as the great equalizer. AI is powering diagnostic tools, bringing specialist medical expertise to the most underserved communities,” he said.