By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Nigerian Senate has expressed support for the establishment of a National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and Robotics in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), passed second reading on Tuesday after extensive debate on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.
Presenting the bill, Senator Adaramodu said the proposed centre would serve as a national hub for research, innovation, and development in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, data science, and related emerging technologies.
He explained that the initiative seeks to promote collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector, while equipping young Nigerians with advanced digital and AI-based skills that will boost employment and entrepreneurship.
According to the lawmaker, artificial intelligence and digital innovation have become the driving forces of governance, commerce, education, healthcare, and national security globally. He warned that countries that fail to invest in these technologies risk being left behind in the fast-evolving 21st-century knowledge economy.
Adaramodu noted that Ekiti State’s longstanding reputation for excellence in education and research informed the choice of Omuo-Ekiti as the proposed site for the centre.
“The establishment of this Centre in Omuo-Ekiti will not only stimulate research and innovation but also catalyse economic growth in the South-West region and across the country,” he said.
He added that the centre would also provide a platform for developing homegrown digital solutions to tackle local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public service delivery.
“Artificial intelligence is the new frontier of human progress. Every developed nation is investing in AI infrastructure and innovation centres. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind,” Adaramodu stated.
He emphasized that the bill aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of youth empowerment, job creation, and economic diversification.