OpenAI, in collaboration with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has officially announced the establishment of Africa’s first OpenAI Academy. This pioneering initiative is designed to provide free courses, access to AI tools, and innovative skills training for individuals across Africa, fostering a new generation of AI-literate professionals, students, and researchers.

Emmanuel Lubanzadio, OpenAI’s Africa Lead, highlighted the academy's mission to offer free AI learning resources and robust capacity-building opportunities. He emphasized that the facility, which will be officially unveiled soon, is accessible globally and will provide courses on effectively utilizing AI tools such as ChatGPT for various stakeholders, including governments, scholars, and individuals.

Lubanzadio described the partnership with UNILAG as a crucial strategic step to democratize AI knowledge across the continent. He affirmed that such initiatives are vital in shaping the future of technology in Africa, driven by the belief that innovations developed locally can serve as models for addressing global challenges. The decision to site the academy in Lagos was primarily influenced by UNILAG’s distinguished reputation for driving technology-backed education. Upcoming sessions at the academy, led by local facilitators, will demonstrate practical applications of AI across Nigeria and the broader African continent.

The establishment of this academy further underscores UNILAG’s commitment to channeling innovation at the intersection of technology and education. It offers a vital platform for students, researchers, and innovators to leverage tech-backed ideas in tackling everyday issues specific to Nigeria and Africa. This collaboration signifies a major stride in supporting local talent and fostering indigenous innovation.

Professor Folashade Ogunsola, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, articulated that the project exemplifies how universities, governments, and industry leaders can redefine collaboration in an era of rapid technological transformation. She stressed the importance of building African AI partnerships on principles of mutual respect and shared growth, rather than charity. Ogunsola passionately argued that Africa must transition from being a passive consumer to an active contributor and builder of contextually relevant AI solutions, recognizing AI's immediate potential to address challenges in sectors like education and health.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed UNILAG’s dedication to championing AI-driven innovations that authentically reflect African realities while adhering to global standards. She emphasized the goal of developing homegrown solutions rather than merely adapting Western technologies. With over $28 million in research funding attracted through international collaborations, UNILAG continues to empower students to solve local problems using technology. Ogunsola concluded by stating that “The future of AI in Africa cannot be built without Africans,” highlighting the immense potential of the continent’s young minds to lead and innovate on the global stage.

Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Olubunmi Ajala, conveyed Nigeria’s ambition to lead in AI innovation. He referenced national initiatives such as the national AI strategy, lauded for its inclusivity, and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which is focused on training young Nigerians in critical areas like software development, data science, and machine learning.