James Daniel, Kano
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched the inaugural edition of its Digital Tech Policy Forum, aimed at advancing discussions on a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy framework for Nigeria.
The forum, held in Kano under the theme “Towards a National AI Policy,” brought together academics, policymakers, and technology experts to examine ethical, governance, and infrastructural challenges shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.
In his opening remarks, CITAD Executive Director, Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, said the initiative was intended to foster continuous dialogue between policymakers, academia, and civil society on emerging digital issues.
“Our goal is to ensure that technology policy in Nigeria is proactive, not reactive,” Ya’u said. “This Forum will bridge research and policy, ensuring innovations like AI are guided by ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered values.”
Ya’u revealed that the Forum would hold monthly sessions to tackle critical digital policy matters, emphasizing that a robust national AI policy is key to building public trust in technology-driven governance.
During the discussions, participants identified the absence of a national AI framework, infrastructure gaps, ethical risks, and concerns over data privacy and algorithmic bias as major challenges.
Dr. Hadiza Umar, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Bayero University, Kano, warned that the rapid adoption of AI technologies requires urgent policy interventions.
“AI is transforming sectors from education to health and agriculture, but without regulation, it can deepen inequality,” she said. “We need a roadmap that balances innovation with accountability.”
Engr. Rabi’u Haruna, former Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), stressed the need for collaboration among government, academia, and industry stakeholders.
“Policy without professional input will not work,” he said. “The government must consult experts to build an AI ecosystem that serves Nigerians, not exploits them.”
Dr. Sanah Abdullahi Mu’az of Bayero University’s Software Engineering Department cautioned against misuse of AI in education.
“We are already seeing AI-enabled plagiarism among students,” she noted. “Universities must adopt clear AI-use policies to protect academic integrity while promoting responsible innovation.”
Kano State Commissioner for Information, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata, announced a state initiative to develop a Hausa-language AI chatbot.
“This project will bring AI to our grassroots,” he said. “Farmers, students, and traders will be able to access vital information on health, education, and commerce in their own language.”
Dr. Kofar Mata added that the Ministry would assign a permanent representative to the Forum and establish a committee to align AI policy discussions with state planning.
The forum concluded with a consensus that Nigeria must transition from a passive consumer of foreign AI technologies to an active innovator and regulator in the global AI ecosystem.
“The future of AI in Nigeria depends on policies that focus not just on technology, but on people, trust, and shared prosperity,” Ya’u said.
