The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in building indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) solutions aimed at tackling the nation’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
This charge was delivered during an AI Hackathon held in Abuja, organised by NITDA in collaboration with VibeCode Africa. Delivering the keynote address, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Ahmed Tambuwal, through Udoka Mannie highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population as a catalyst for innovation and digital transformation.
He noted that with over 60 percent of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country is uniquely positioned to harness emerging technologies for sustainable development. According to him, the hackathon provided a valuable platform for young innovators from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and design practical AI-driven solutions tailored to Nigeria’s realities.
Inuwa stressed that while artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, governance, and societies worldwide, Nigeria must decide whether to actively shape its AI future or remain dependent on foreign innovations. He reaffirmed NITDA’s mandate to regulate and develop information technology in a way that drives growth, innovation, and national development.
He further explained that the Agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building initiatives are focused not only on equipping Nigerians with basic digital skills but also on empowering them to build and innovate. He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative as a flagship programme aligned with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he stated.
Encouraging participants to prioritise impact over recognition, Inuwa pointed out critical sectors where AI can make a difference, including healthcare access in rural communities, public service delivery, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, and the fight against misinformation. He also underscored the importance of ethics, inclusivity, and data protection in AI development, urging participants to build responsibly.
He commended VibeCode Africa for its partnership, describing such collaborations as essential to fostering innovation at scale. He concluded by emphasising that Nigeria’s AI future lies in the hands of its young innovators.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported it will be built by people like you,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, challenged participants to harness AI to solve real-life problems within their communities. She emphasised that Africa must evolve from being merely a talent pool for global markets to becoming a hub for innovation and solution-driven technology.
Adey explained that this year’s hackathon adopted a more personalised approach, encouraging participants to identify and solve challenges they directly experience rather than working within predefined sectors.
“We want you to look inward identify the problems around you and build solutions that matter,” she said.
She highlighted issues such as electricity shortages, insecurity, and gaps in social services as areas ripe for innovation, noting that AI now provides young people with powerful tools to drive change without waiting for external intervention.
According to her, the initiative is designed not just as a gathering but as a launchpad for real opportunities in entrepreneurship, employment, and global collaboration.
“With artificial intelligence, you now have something powerful in your hands to solve problems and create impact,” she added.
She encouraged participants to remain focused, collaborative, and open to learning, noting that the connections made during the hackathon could lead to future partnerships, investments, and career opportunities.
The event reinforced a shared vision: positioning Nigeria’s youth at the forefront of building impactful, homegrown AI solutions capable of transforming the nation’s future.
