Why Nigerians Need to Change Their Mindsets About AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, economies, and the way we live, but in Nigeria, there remains a significant gap between its potential and how it’s perceived. Many Nigerians are yet to fully embrace AI, largely due to misconceptions about the technology and its applications. A mindset shift is urgently needed if Nigeria is to harness AI’s full potential to drive innovation, boost economic growth, and solve pressing societal challenges.
AI Misconceptions and Fears
One of the key reasons why Nigerians need to change their mindset about AI is the pervasive fear that it will lead to widespread unemployment. The assumption that AI only replaces jobs rather than creating new opportunities is a limiting belief. In reality, AI has the power to transform industries and generate new types of employment. For instance, AI can streamline repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their jobs. This creates opportunities for reskilling, enabling individuals to take up roles that require more complex problem-solving and creativity. According to experts, AI isn’t here to eliminate jobs but to enhance productivity and innovation, providing new avenues for growth
Moreover, Nigerians often view AI as a futuristic technology far removed from their daily lives. In reality, AI is already present in many aspects of everyday life in Nigeria, from the recommendation algorithms on social media platforms to the AI-powered chatbots used by banks and businesses. However, because these applications are not fully understood or acknowledged, there is little awareness of AI’s practical benefits.
The Untapped Economic Potential
Nigeria, with its large population and growing technology sector, has immense potential to become a leader in AI innovation. Yet, despite the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit and talented youth population, AI adoption has been slow. Reports suggest that 90% of Nigerian businesses are likely to adopt AI, especially in sectors such as cybersecurity, IT operations, and customer experienceHowever, only a small fraction of IT leaders believe that their infrastructure is ready for AI. This points to a need for both technical upgrades and a shift in how businesses approach AI adoption For Nigeria to leverage AI for economic transformation, there must be a concerted effort to develop AI skills across the workforce. Government initiatives, such as those promoted by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, recognize this need and have begun to integrate AI into broader national technology strategies. By doing so, the government aims to empower Nigerians to use AI to address local challenges, particularly in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education(
Education and Skill Development
A critical factor in changing the Nigerian mindset about AI is education. Many Nigerians are not adequately exposed to AI in formal education settings, and this gap hinders their ability to engage with the technology. The current educational system often focuses on rote learning rather than fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills that AI demands. A shift towards teaching AI as a tool for addressing real-world challenges could spark interest and understanding.
There are promising signs that this is starting to happen. For example, in Kano, a pilot program integrates AI problem-solving into secondary school curricula, where students are learning to identify local problems and apply AI-driven solutions. Such efforts should be expanded nationwide to cultivate a generation of AI-savvy Nigerians(
Additionally, free AI training programs from companies like Google, which include AI modules for entrepreneurs, provide Nigerians with practical skills for integrating AI into their businesses and careers(
Infrastructure and Policy Support
One of the biggest challenges for AI adoption in Nigeria is the country’s inadequate infrastructure. Erratic power supply and expensive internet access are major obstacles that limit the ability of individuals and businesses to explore AI’s potential. The government has recognized these issues, setting targets such as achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025. These efforts, combined with public-private partnerships, could lead to the creation of AI hubs across Nigeria, where entrepreneurs and innovators can access the resources they need to develop AI solutions(
Moreover, Nigeria needs to create a more supportive environment for AI startups. While there are some initiatives in place, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), there needs to be more targeted support specifically for AI startups. This could include tax incentives, streamlined registration processes, and intellectual property protection(
AI for Social Good
One of the most powerful arguments for changing Nigeria’s mindset towards AI is its potential to solve some of the country’s most pressing problems. AI-driven innovations in healthcare, for example, could improve diagnostic accuracy and help streamline operations in Nigeria’s overburdened healthcare system(
AI applications in agriculture can help farmers use predictive analytics to optimize crop yields, addressing food insecurity in rural areas(
Even in areas like traffic management, AI could provide solutions to the infamous congestion in cities like Lagos, improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians(
Furthermore, AI presents an opportunity to address the digital divide in Nigeria. By making AI tools more accessible, underserved communities can leverage technology to improve their livelihoods. For example, AI can be used in education to provide personalized learning experiences that cater to individual needs, helping bridge the gap in educational outcomes across different regions of the country(
Shaping the Future with AI
The future of Nigeria is deeply intertwined with the digital revolution, and AI is at the heart of this transformation. But for Nigeria to realize its full potential, its people need to shift from being mere consumers of AI to creators and innovators. This requires not only technical skills but also a mindset that embraces change and innovation. Successful Nigerian AI entrepreneurs, like those teaching coding to underserved communities, should be highlighted to inspire the next generation of AI leaders(
To truly integrate AI into the fabric of Nigerian society, there needs to be a concerted effort across all levels—government, education, and industry—to make AI accessible and beneficial to all Nigerians. This will not only enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global technology landscape but also improve the lives of its citizens in tangible ways. The future is AI-driven, and it is time for Nigeria to take its place at the forefront of this revolution.