FG Urges Tech Experts to Harness AI for Agricultural Development

The federal government has called on technology experts nationwide to channel the power of artificial intelligence (AI) toward revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani made this call during an engagement with the Ogun tech community, emphasizing AI’s transformative potential in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges and improving agricultural productivity.

Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a courtesy visit to his alma Mater, Anglican High School, Quarry Road Dr. Tijani encouraged Nigerian tech stakeholders to think beyond urban innovation and focus on practical AI applications that could benefit rural and agricultural communities. According to the minister, “Artificial intelligence should not be confined to urban laboratories and corporate offices. We must apply it to solve real problems, such as reviving traditional agricultural practices and boosting food production.” While engaging students of the Anglican High School, Dr. Tijani also used the opportunity to share his journey, attributing his formative development to the education and discipline he received at the school. He emphasized that one’s background should never be a barrier to success. “Where we come from is important, but it must not define our future. I was once a student in this very school, and the values I acquired here helped shape the man I am today,” he said.

In a motivational address to the students, Tijani urged them to remain focused on their studies and believe in their potential to reach great heights, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. “Our kids must realize they can become ministers, ambassadors, governors, or even presidents. They can shake the world if they believe and work hard,” he added. To encourage academic excellence, the minister announced the launch of a fellowship program targeting the top three students across all classes in Anglican High School. These students will receive a financial support package of ₦100,000 per academic session, a new laptop, and a complete set of school uniforms. He said the initiative aims to reward dedication and inspire healthy competition among students.

Beyond student welfare, Dr. Tijani committed to infrastructural development at the school. He pledged to fund the construction of a storey building equipped with modern classrooms and to furnish them with smart boards to enhance learning through technology integration. The minister commended the Ogun State Commissioner for Education for the strides made in embracing digital tools in the education sector. He praised the ongoing efforts to modernize teaching and learning environments, noting that such efforts are crucial for preparing the next generation of innovators.