Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive economic growth and innovation.

In a statement issued Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described AI as a transformative technology capable of enhancing human intelligence and expanding opportunities across multiple sectors.

He made the remarks on Monday in Lagos at the unveiling of the AI University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Lagos, where he was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria must take an active role in the evolving AI landscape by building robust digital infrastructure that enables innovation and addresses local challenges.

He noted that AI has the potential to transform key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance, but emphasised that its benefits would depend on the development of inclusive and value-driven systems.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria is well-positioned to lead the continent in this space.

Shettima added that ongoing investments in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and responsible AI governance are aimed at positioning Nigeria as a producer of technology and scalable solutions rather than a consumer of imported innovations.

Highlighting the significance of the UniPod initiative, he described universities as evolving into centres for enterprise, production, and national development, where collaboration among students, researchers, and industry stakeholders can generate practical solutions to economic challenges.

He also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the University of Lagos, and the Lagos State Government, noting that the initiative is designed for expansion nationwide.

Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie G. Attafuah, commended the programme, stating that it equips young Nigerians to actively shape the future while linking innovation with enterprise and national development.

She added that the initiative strengthens Nigeria’s position to achieve long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth, with UNDP committed to supporting the country’s innovation agenda.