The National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners has reassured Nigerians that the expansion of artificial intelligence will generate new job opportunities instead of causing widespread unemployment.
The group made this known on Wednesday during the 2026 AI Awareness Day held in Abuja. The association, established by former acting Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Peter Okebukola, emphasised the need for Nigeria to shift from depending on imported AI tools to building its own data systems and technological solutions.
Speaking with journalists, NAAIP President Eyitope Ogunbodede explained that fears about artificial intelligence replacing workers were exaggerated. He noted that technological change has always created fresh opportunities, pointing to the transition from typewriters to computers as an example that did not eliminate jobs. According to him, individuals who keep up with AI developments are more likely to remain relevant in the workforce, as the technology is opening up new income streams, particularly in digital entrepreneurship and online services.
He also warned about the country’s heavy dependence on foreign data used to power AI platforms. Ogunbodede stressed that locally generated data is essential for solutions that truly reflect Nigerian realities, adding that the association is promoting awareness and collaboration to encourage citizens and institutions to contribute to building indigenous datasets and innovations.
The NAAIP president further highlighted a growing divide within higher education, noting that while many students actively use AI tools, a number of lecturers are still struggling to adopt them in teaching and research.
Also contributing, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Uduma Orji Uduma, represented by Monioluwa Olaniyi, said the use of artificial intelligence has increased rapidly across the country. He cited figures attributed to Google showing that a large majority of Nigerians with smartphones now interact with AI tools, with many using them to tackle complex tasks. This, he said, confirms that AI adoption is becoming widespread and positions Nigeria as a major market for the technology.
Meanwhile, NAAIP Vice-President for the North-West, Nasiru Maiturare, urged government, institutions, and industry players to take charge of the country’s AI direction. He warned that without local control and planning, external interests could shape AI deployment in ways that may not favour Nigeria’s long-term development.
