Fellows of the TGov Seminar Program on AI Governance have concluded a four-week intensive training with a final in-person session held in Abuja. The program, which brought together selected participants from diverse professional backgrounds, focused on strengthening Nigeria’s role in national and global discussions around Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.
As part of the closing activities, the fellows visited the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), where they were taken on a tour of the facility. During the visit, they had the opportunity to present their recommendations to the National Director of NCAIR, Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, after reviewing the pillars of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.
In his remarks, Dr. Ajala commended TechGov and the Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG) for their commitment to building local expertise in AI governance. He praised the diversity of the cohort and reaffirmed NCAIR’s role in promoting responsible AI development in Nigeria. He also noted that the Centre has participated in several global conversations on AI and will continue working to ensure that AI is used to grow Nigeria’s economy.
Director of TechGov, Zakariyau Yusuf, thanked the NCAIR team for the warm reception and meaningful dialogue. He emphasized the need for continued learning and policy advocacy in the area of AI governance to ensure Nigeria is well-prepared for the future.
Also speaking, the Research Lead at MIRG, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, stressed the importance of Nigeria’s active involvement in shaping the global future of AI. He noted that while progress has been made, much work still lies ahead to ensure the country is not left behind in the global AI movement.
The Abuja session featured group discussions, a presentation of certificates to participants, and a group photograph to mark the end of the program.
Earlier sessions held virtually over the first three weeks covered key areas such as the potential and risks of AI, international governance frameworks, and Africa’s role in global AI platforms. Participants engaged in expert-led discussions and breakout sessions that explored ethical challenges, infrastructure needs, and strategies for inclusive AI governance tailored to Nigeria’s unique context.
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