Nigeria Moves to Build AI Innovation Centre in Ekiti A Game Changer for Tech Skills and Youth Empowerment

Nigeria is taking another major step toward strengthening its digital economy as the Senate begins consideration of a new bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and Communication Technology Solutions Centre in Ekiti State. The proposed centre, sponsored by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu representing Ekiti South, aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven innovation across Africa.

The centre, once approved, will serve as a national training and research facility where young Nigerians can acquire modern digital skills, conduct research, and develop homegrown technology products. It will also promote partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector to drive local innovation and digital independence.

According to Tech Africa News, the bill seeks to create an enabling environment for Nigeria to move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator and exporter of digital solutions. The Ekiti Innovation Centre will be equipped with advanced laboratories and training units that focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, machine learning, and cybersecurity. It will also provide incubation programs for tech startups that show potential to create jobs and solve local problems through innovation.

Senator Adaramodu, while speaking during the bill presentation, emphasized that Nigeria’s economic growth and youth empowerment depend heavily on innovation and skills development. He noted that millions of young Nigerians are talented but lack the proper platforms and resources to build successful tech careers. The proposed centre, he said, will close that gap by providing access to tools, mentorship, and research opportunities that will enable them to compete globally.

The initiative also complements the government’s ongoing efforts to expand its digital literacy programs through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Over the last few years, Nigeria has launched multiple programs aimed at equipping citizens with basic and advanced digital skills, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative and the Skill-Up Nigeria Project. These programs have already trained thousands of youths, and the Ekiti Innovation Centre is expected to serve as one of the permanent hubs for future training and capacity-building activities.

Beyond education, the centre will also serve as an innovation laboratory for startups and young entrepreneurs to experiment with new ideas. According to The Nation Newspaper, the bill outlines provisions for a startup incubation program that will allow selected innovators to receive mentorship, workspace, and funding opportunities to develop and scale their solutions. The centre will also facilitate research partnerships with universities and attract private investments from local and international tech companies.

Experts believe that this is a timely and strategic move by the Nigerian government. Artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are rapidly shaping industries worldwide, from healthcare and finance to agriculture and education. For Nigeria to compete globally, it must build its own technology ecosystem and develop the talent needed to sustain it. The proposed centre could help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world innovation, providing young Nigerians with the skills needed to participate in the global digital economy.

Technology analysts also argue that the establishment of the Ekiti Innovation Centre could help reduce youth unemployment. Nigeria currently has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa, but the global demand for skilled tech workers continues to grow. With the right training and mentorship, thousands of Nigerian youths could gain employment not only locally but also remotely with global companies looking for affordable, skilled tech talent.

Another important benefit of the project is regional development. Ekiti State, which has a growing educational sector but limited industrial presence, could become a new destination for technology investment and innovation. The presence of the centre would attract partnerships with universities, encourage local entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economy of the Southwest region.

In addition, the bill aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), which aims to achieve 95 percent digital literacy among citizens by the end of the decade. This strategy emphasizes the need for collaboration among the public and private sectors to foster innovation, promote research, and provide digital education opportunities for all. The Ekiti Innovation Centre will be one of the key institutions to help achieve that vision by nurturing a generation of tech-savvy citizens capable of developing world-class solutions.

Furthermore, the project is expected to enhance Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading tech destinations. Over the past few years, cities like Lagos and Abuja have become major technology hubs, hosting startups that attract global investors. The addition of a federal innovation centre in Ekiti will expand this ecosystem to other parts of the country, ensuring that innovation is not limited to major urban areas but spreads to smaller regions as well.

Industry observers believe that this project could also strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with global technology firms such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta, which have been investing in Africa’s digital transformation. With the right framework, such partnerships could lead to technology transfers, research collaborations, and greater access to global funding for Nigerian startups.

While the bill still has to pass through several stages in the National Assembly before it becomes law, there is already significant public and institutional support for it. Education advocates, tech communities, and youth organizations have all welcomed the proposal, describing it as a “milestone move” that could empower thousands of young Nigerians to transition from job seekers to job creators.

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As Nigeria continues to build its digital infrastructure and develop new policies around innovation, the Ekiti Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Centre stands out as a symbol of the country’s growing commitment to technology-driven development. If successfully implemented, it could mark the beginning of a new era in which Nigerian youths lead the continent’s transformation through creativity, innovation, and digital excellence.