Young innovators, developers and problem-solvers gathered for an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with VibeCode Africa, with one clear message ringing through the room: Nigeria must build its own AI solutions for its own realities.
Delivering the keynote address, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, and conveyed through Udoka Mannie, challenged young Nigerians to move from consumers of global technology to creators of local innovation.
He noted that Nigeria’s greatest strength may not lie underground in natural resources, but above ground in its people.
With more than 60 per cent of the population under the age of 25, Nigeria stands among the youngest nations in the world, a demographic advantage many developed countries no longer have. While several economies grapple with ageing populations and shrinking workforces, Nigeria has a growing generation of digital natives ready to shape the future.
According to Inuwa, that youthful energy must now be channelled into solving real problems through technology.
From healthcare and agriculture to education, finance and public services, he said artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to tackle some of Nigeria’s most persistent socio-economic challenges, if built with local context in mind.
The hackathon, he added, was designed as more than a competition. It was a meeting point for talent from different backgrounds to collaborate, experiment and develop practical AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.
For participants in the room, the challenge was clear: the next breakthrough in artificial intelligence does not have to come from Silicon Valley or Europe. It can come from Abuja, Lagos, Kano or Enugu.
As laptops glowed and ideas turned into prototypes, one thing became evident, Nigeria’s AI future may well be written by its youth.
“As you can see, this room is filled with young people, this represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.
He noted that artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies, governance systems and societies worldwide, stressing that the key question for Nigeria is whether it would actively shape AI for national development or remain a passive consumer of foreign innovations.
Inuwa said NITDA’s mandate remains the development and regulation of information technology in Nigeria while ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth rather than mere consumption.
He explained that the agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department is focused on building a digitally skilled population capable of participating meaningfully in the global digital economy.
The NITDA boss highlighted the agency’s Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL) as one of its flagship programmes aimed at equipping millions of Nigerians with critical digital skills, adding that it aligns with the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.
He urged participants to focus on impact driven innovation rather than prizes or applause, noting that Nigeria has no shortage of pressing challenges requiring technological intervention.
Inuwa identified healthcare access in rural communities, inefficiencies in public service delivery, agriculture, education, financial inclusion and misinformation as sectors where AI can deliver transformative solutions.
The DG also stressed the importance of inclusion, ethics and data protection in the development of AI systems.
“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he said.
He commended Vibe Code Africa for partnering with NITDA to host the hackathon, describing such collaborations as critical to driving innovation at scale.
Encouraging participants to work together, experiment and learn quickly, he said the future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria would not be imported but created by local innovators.
“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported. It will be built by people like you in rooms like this,” he added.
In her earlier opening address, the founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, has urged young Nigerians to harness artificial intelligence to solve pressing national challenges, declaring that Africa must become a centre of innovation rather than a talent reservoir for foreign economies.
Adey said this year’s edition of the hackathon would depart from previous formats where participants were assigned sectors such as agriculture or healthcare. Instead, teams were asked to identify challenges they personally experience in their communities and develop solutions around them.
“We’re not going to give you any industry. We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the problems your brothers and sisters are facing? What are the issues you notice when you walk around?” she said.
She cited persistent electricity shortages, insecurity and social service gaps as examples of problems that innovative youths could begin to tackle through technology.
According to her, the goal of the programme is not merely to gather young people for discussions but to create pathways that transform lives through entrepreneurship, employment and global opportunities.
“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.
She encouraged participants to remain focused, humble and collaborative, noting that the event could connect them to future co-founders, investors or employers.
