The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, has emphasized the importance of applying knowledge to create real community impact while calling for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and local communities to drive Africa’s digital transformation.
Speaking at the Data Science Nigeria (DSN) 2025 AI Bootcamp held at the University of Lagos, Sanya challenged young innovators to focus on how they use technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real societal problems.
“For me, the key message is: what are we doing with the knowledge we have? How are we impacting our communities, our nation, and the world?” she said. “The moment we can crack that, then we are truly on to something.”
Sanya, who has worked extensively on empowerment and capacity-building initiatives, underscored the need for greater synergy between the classroom and industry, citing global examples where interdisciplinary collaboration has yielded innovation.
“In countries like the Netherlands, engineers and medical doctors work together to optimize healthcare processes. We need to replicate that kind of collaboration here, bridging the gap between universities, industries, and communities,” she said. “At the end of the day, the knowledge we acquire should make industries better and positively impact the community.”
Driving Inclusivity: Women and Language in AI
On gender inclusivity, Sanya noted that while efforts to increase women’s participation in science and technology are gaining ground, more deliberate social reorientation and educational reforms are required.
“It’s not just about women in AI, but women in tech and science generally. Through our STEM scholarships, we’ve achieved a 50-50 gender balance this year, without lowering standards,” she shared. “We must socialize girls early, reorient our education system, and even recruit traditional, religious, and community leaders as champions of this cause.”
She proposed integrating AI learning into community spaces such as churches, mosques, and local centers to make knowledge accessible to women who may not have the opportunity to attend formal institutions.
Sanya also addressed the need to overcome language barriers to inclusion, describing linguistic diversity as Nigeria’s hidden digital divide.
“Inclusivity in Nigeria is not just about gender, it’s about language. With over 200 local languages, people should be able to learn in their native tongue,” she said. “Breaking the language barrier will help bridge gaps in literacy and numeracy, allowing millions of out-of-school children and even adults to benefit from AI-driven learning.”
MTN Foundation’s Broader Vision
Highlighting MTN Foundation’s role in youth empowerment, Sanya reaffirmed that the Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through initiatives in health, education, and digital skills.
“For us at the Foundation, it’s all about young people. Whether it’s in health, where we focus on mothers and children, or in youth development, we’re deeply committed to the Nigerian youth,” she stated. “DSN is doing a great job, and our participation here reinforces our commitment to supporting initiatives that prepare young people for the future.”
When asked about the key skills required for Africa’s digital future, Sanya stressed the importance of problem-solving, collaboration, and ethical AI use.
“You must be able to solve problems. Knowledge without the ability to solve real issues doesn’t create impact,” she said. “We must humanize our use of data and apply AI ethically and responsibly.”
She concluded by describing Africa’s AI future in one word: “Limitless.”
Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, acting director of the NITDA IT Hub (NITHub) at the University of Lagos, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and analytical thinking as essential skill sets for individuals seeking to remain competitive in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.