Nigeria is set to establish its first artificial intelligence-focused university, Wini University, in Epe, Lagos. The institution, a groundbreaking initiative for the continent, aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the global AI ecosystem while addressing local challenges such as unemployment and skills gaps.
Inspired by Qatar’s pioneering AI university, Wini University is envisioned as a hub of innovation where African creativity and technology converge to tackle global issues. The project, spearheaded by Wini Group, will equip students with expertise in advanced technologies, including blockchain, cloud computing, generative AI, data science, and machine learning.
Olukayode Akano, Chairman of Wini Group, described the initiative as a transformative leap for the region.
“This university will empower young Nigerians to create groundbreaking solutions that redefine industries and economies,” Akano said. “It’s not just an academic institution—it’s a step towards transforming Lagos into the ‘Silicon Valley of Africa,’ where innovation and technology converge to solve real-world challenges.”
Wini University seeks to nurture a generation of AI-savvy professionals, enabling Nigeria to address pressing issues like poverty and healthcare disparities while contributing to the global AI landscape. Akano emphasized the institution’s potential to act as a nucleus for Africa’s first AI-powered Silicon Valley, fostering solutions not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent.
By investing in AI education and innovation, the initiative signals Nigeria’s commitment to technological advancement and its recognition of AI as a key driver of future economies. Experts believe this bold move could inspire other African nations to embrace cutting-edge technologies and take active roles in the global AI discourse.
The establishment of this varsity could mark a turning point for Nigeria and the continent. It highlights the critical role of education and innovation in shaping Africa’s future while offering a proactive response to the rapidly evolving demands of a global, AI-driven economy.