Abuja: The Society for Women Engineers (SWE) has urged students at all levels to channel their knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into developing practical solutions that address societal problems. Programme Director of SWE, Stella Dennis, made the call during an innovation lab session themed ‘AI for All- Practical Session’. The event was organized in collaboration with American Spaces and SWEBaze University.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dennis stressed the importance of equipping students, teachers, and young professionals with hands-on skills in AI to respond to real-time challenges, noting that the world is rapidly evolving into a tech-driven society. She emphasized the need for real-time, innovative solutions through artificial intelligence, expressing her expectation that participants will continue building practical and relevant solutions that can solve problems in society. The initiative targets university students, primary and secondary school learners, and educators, introducing them to AI, robotics, and cybersecurity as part of a broader STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program.
Dennis highlighted the training’s focus on enabling participants to create their own solutions, including understanding how to respond effectively to issues like malware or cyber intrusion. She noted that STEM is a tool for solving real-world problems. The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar from the agency’s Policy and Regulatory Department, reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI development. He mentioned that NITDA had developed a national AI strategy aimed at leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population and abundant talent to position the country as a leading AI hub in Africa.
NITDA is not just regulating AI use but also developing AI tools and coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure responsible use across academia, the private sector, and public institutions for the benefit of all Nigerians. Abdullahi commended SWE for its impact-driven approach, particularly in using technology to empower women and young people. Additionally, SWE Chairperson, Ololade Okobi, emphasized that AI is already shaping the present and encouraged Nigerians to embrace AI and prepare for the changing job landscape by developing relevant digital skills. She stated that AI will transform jobs and urged people to adapt to remain relevant in the new economy.