The Federal Government recently inaugurated, for the first time, an artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics National centre in Abuja.
Hopefully, the establishment of the AI National Centre will be a big improvement to the development of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Robotics, Cyber security, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Block chain, Big Data Analytics and Cloud Computing, among others.
The potential this centre holds can only be matched with the amount of productive efforts being put into it. Should there be commitment into its maximum utilisation, then we (Nigerians) hardly need to be so reliant on developed countries.
Speedy Research
The most obvious advantage of the National Centre is that researchers would be to able carry out their research faster, due to the availability of relevant facilities and equipment.
The Inclusion of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (MIT-REAP), which aims to translate research insights into practical frameworks, serves as motivation to conduct research in Nigeria
In addition, the transfer of knowledge would allow researchers to dive further into the field of AI and robotics.
Job Creation
As the National Centre needs professionals/scientists to oversee it, more Jobs will be created. Youths will also be engaged by way of training, internships, and other programmes.
Notwithstanding, the products from the National Centre, if rightly deployed, can also increase employment rate in Nigeria.
Economic Diversification
AI and Robotics could provide an alternative source of income in Nigeria, aside that being generated from Oil. Robotic devices and AI-driven platforms could have a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.
The products from the Centre can be brought to market, and exported to other African countries for revenue. If they are good enough, they could go worldwide, and generate a huge amount of revenue.
Digital Entrepreneurship
The Centre can also breed Digital Entrepreneurs – entrepreneurs focused exclusively on digital commerce, and digital commerce. Businesses would happen to go online, as AI-driven e-commerce applications would be set up.
That doesn’t end there, physical businesses would have their digital equivalent, so as to appeal to the growing needs of their diversifying customers, which entails that there would be a “digital store” for every physical one.
Improved Standard Of Living
As AI-powered devices get to the common Nigerian, there will be an improved standard of living, as the assistance rendered by their use would facilitate the completion of tasks, and the commencement of new ones.
Informed Decision-Making would also be brought about in hospitals to help patients understand the clinical service being provided including benefits, risks, limitations, alternatives and uncertainties.
