Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, has urged African leaders to unite in building shared AI infrastructure or risk marginalisation in the global economy.

Tijani made the call on Monday in Abuja at the inaugural GITEX Nigeria Summit 2025, a four-day technology event focused on advancing digital transformation and innovation with nationwide.

He urged continental collaboration to close Africa’s productivity gap and secure the continent’s place in the emerging AI-driven global economy.

Tijani said Africa faces a clear threat: without intentional action, artificial intelligence could deepen the global productivity divide. In his keynote address, he stated, “If we are not deliberate, AI will widen the global productivity gap. Countries that are already ahead will accelerate further, while those still trying to catch up will fall behind.”

To illustrate this, he referenced agriculture, noting that Nigeria yields about 2.5 tonnes of maize per hectare, compared to 6 tonnes in South Africa and 12 tonnes in Brazil.

The difference, he explained, is not due to land or rainfall, but to productivity gains driven by technology and AI-powered precision farming.

Tijani identified four key pillars to guide Africa’s approach to AI: balancing national sovereignty with shared governance, equipping young people with technical skills, digitizing local realities to develop relevant datasets, and making joint investments in infrastructure — including internet connectivity, computing capacity, and clean energy.

He highlighted the importance of Africa’s youth, calling them the continent’s greatest asset. As an example, he pointed to Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, which aims to build a workforce prepared for the demands of an AI-driven economy.

The minister emphasized that without digitizing African datasets related to language, health, and agriculture, the continent will continue to rely on foreign AI models built from data that “do not represent us.”

Following the sessions in Abuja, the event will move to Lagos for the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, scheduled for September 3-4 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre. A Startup Festival will also take place at the Landmark Centre.

On infrastructure, Tijani stressed that no single country can bear the financial burden alone.

He explained, “AI relies on three essentials: connectivity, computing power, and clean energy. These resources remain costly and unevenly distributed across Africa. We must work together on medium- and long-term strategies to reduce costs and enable inclusive participation.”

He added with an inspiring message, “Our children should one day look back and say: our leaders prepared us, our leaders secured our future, and our leaders made sure Africa was not left behind.”

Trixie LohMirmand, the executive vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, highlighted the importance of global cooperation in advancing Africa’s digital economy.

She noted that partnerships between Nigeria and international stakeholders can foster innovation, attract investment, and position Africa as a leader in the global tech arena.

Also speaking, Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, opened GITEX Nigeria 2025 with a welcome address emphasizing the need for continental unity in Africa’s AI development.

He stressed the importance of building shared infrastructure, developing algorithms rooted in African values, and establishing strong policies to ensure the continent takes an active role in the AI revolution.

Nigeria has emerged as a leader in AI innovation on the continent. Ranked among the world’s top 60 countries in AI development, Nigeria recently unveiled a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy created through collaboration between academia and industry.

To advance this strategy, the government launched the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Collective Industry, aimed at connecting local researchers with international experts and fostering cross-border cooperation.

The four-day event, held from September 1 to 4 in Abuja and Lagos, is supported by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy alongside the National Information Technology Development Agency.

In a landmark move to restore professionalism and integrity in Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has unveiled a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, making background checks compulsory for all teachers in public and private schools.

The initiative, announced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and spearheaded by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to ensure that only individuals of sound moral character are entrusted with educating Nigeria’s future generations.

“This framework is about accountability,” said Dr. Alausa. “We must be deliberate about who we allow to shape the minds of our children.”

The verification system will be integrated into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, which now serves as a national database for teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring. The portal allows educators to register, access results, and print certificates remotely—eliminating the need for physical visits to state offices.

The TRCN platform also features AI-powered lesson planning tools, a revised Professional Qualifying Examination focused on five core areas including mathematics, literacy, and pedagogy, and state-level investigation panels to address misconduct and uphold ethical standards.

According to TRCN Registrar Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Nigeria has nearly four million teachers, but only 2.4 million are currently registered with TRCN.

A significant portion of private school teachers reportedly lack the qualifications required for registration, which include a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), or a BSc/BA with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or Professional Diploma in Education.

The TRCN, established under Decree No. 31 of 1993 (now TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004), is mandated to regulate and control the teaching profession across all levels of Nigeria’s education system.

The new framework is expected to curb impersonation, certificate forgery, and the hiring of unqualified staff—issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s schools. It also signals a broader push toward digitization, transparency, and ethical reform in education.

Keystone Bank has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to further support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The MoU marks the official launch of the MSME Mini Business Boot Camp, an initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and promote inclusive economic growth across the country.

The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, 28th August 2025 at the LCCI headquarters in Lagos, was attended by senior executives from both institutions, industry stakeholders, and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Olayemi Sule, Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking at Keystone Bank, expressed pride in the partnership.

According to her, “This Memorandum of Understanding between Keystone Bank and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry underscores our shared commitment to the growth and empowerment of SMEs in Nigeria.

“At Keystone Bank, we believe small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the economy. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Our support goes beyond financial services—we are committed to building capacity and unlocking potential. Together with LCCI, we look forward to nurturing a new generation of resilient, innovative business leaders who will shape the future of the Nigerian economy,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr. Gani Adebayo, Regional Head, Lagos Island, Keystone Bank, emphasised the Bank’s dedication to creating sustainable opportunities for MSMEs.

He noted that the partnership would “bridge critical knowledge gaps and provide practical solutions that enable small businesses to scale successfully.”

On her part, Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General/CEO of LCCI, expressed optimism about the initiative, describing it as “a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, enhanced business competitiveness, and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic advancement.”

The MSME Mini Business Boot Camp will provide hands-on training, mentorship, and access to critical resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses across various sectors. The initiative reinforces Keystone Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, enterprise development, and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.