The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in collaboration with the Imo State Government, has kicked off the 4th edition of its Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit in Owerri. The three-day summit, running from April 23 to 25, 2025, is being held at the Protea Hotel and brings together innovators, academics, investors, and policymakers from across West Africa.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who officially opened the event, expressed Imo’s ambition to become a national trailblazer in artificial intelligence. He announced fresh investments in broadband infrastructure, a new innovation hub, and scholarships targeted at Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to boost local talent.
Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President of the NCS, described this summit as the most comprehensive and forward-thinking in the Society’s history. He underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between state governments and professional tech bodies to effectively roll out the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy introduced by the Federal Government late last year.
Renowned tech entrepreneur and keynote speaker, Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Group, praised Imo State’s commitment to human capital development and challenged Nigerian banks to match their public declarations with tangible financial support for local tech startups.
The summit’s theme, “Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth,” captures its dual focus: high-level policy dialogue and grassroots innovation. Attendees are participating in hands-on workshops, AI training sessions, a student hackathon, a startup exhibition, and investor roundtable talks. One of the major highlights will be the release of a joint roadmap outlining plans for an AI Innovation and Capacity Building Centre in Imo State, expected to be launched later this year.
The event continues with expert panels on smart city innovations and the use of generative AI in healthcare and education. It will wrap up on April 25 with the announcement of hackathon winners and the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between NCS and the Imo State Government — a strategic alliance aimed at driving long-term digital transformation across the region.
