UNILAG Becomes Home to OpenAI’s First African AI Academy
The launch, which took place during UNILAG’s 5th International Week, focused on the theme “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa.” The initiative is designed to expand access to AI education, research, and real-world application across Africa, with UNILAG serving as the host institution and strategic hub.
Training the Next Generation of African Innovators
The OpenAI Academy will offer free training programs and capacity-building workshops focused on AI tools, ethics, and applied innovation. The goal is to help students, researchers, and professionals across Africa acquire practical AI skills relevant to the continent’s needs.
According to UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the partnership reflects the university’s commitment to positioning Africa as an active contributor to global AI development rather than a passive consumer. She emphasized that African innovation must be grounded in local realities, including infrastructure challenges and cultural contexts.
A Hub for Innovation and Research
Through this collaboration, UNILAG aims to become a continental hub for artificial intelligence research and training. The academy will support national and regional initiatives such as Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy.
The program is expected to host hands-on sessions on machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics, alongside discussions on developing technologies that work effectively in low-resource environments, including areas with limited connectivity and unreliable power supply.
Strengthening Equitable Partnerships
The academy’s launch highlights the growing importance of partnerships between global tech organizations and African universities. By embedding OpenAI’s educational framework within a local institution, the initiative seeks to foster equitable collaboration where knowledge, resources, and opportunities flow both ways.
The event drew participation from tech companies, global universities, and development organizations, underscoring Africa’s increasing visibility in the global AI landscape.
Bridging the Continent's Critical AI Skills Gap
While details of the academy’s full curriculum and rollout timeline are still emerging, its establishment represents a significant step toward building sustainable AI talent pipelines in Africa. It also positions Lagos, and Nigeria at large, as a leading hub for AI education and innovation on the continent.
As the program unfolds, its long-term impact will depend on how effectively it delivers practical, inclusive, and locally relevant training that bridges Africa’s AI skills gap.
