Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has called on the nation’s tech ecosystem to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ogun Tech Community, Tijani urged stakeholders in the digital economy to look beyond conventional innovation and begin applying emerging technologies like AI to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and strengthen the national economy.
“Artificial Intelligence holds vast potential to revolutionise how we farm, process, and distribute food in Nigeria. We must take advantage of that,” he said.
The Minister, who also paid a courtesy visit to his alma mater, Anglican High School Quarry in Abeokuta, used the opportunity to inspire students to aim high despite their backgrounds. Addressing an assembly of eager young learners, Tijani reflected on his own humble beginnings, recalling how the discipline and values he gained during his time at the school helped shape his future.
“Where you come from does not determine where you are going. I was once a student in this same school. If I can become a Minister, then any of you here can become a Minister, a Governor, an Ambassador—even the President,” he said, drawing loud applause from the students.
As part of his visit, the Minister announced a number of initiatives aimed at supporting top-performing students. He unveiled a new fellowship scheme that will provide the best three students in each level with a N100,000 support fund every academic session, a laptop, and a new school uniform.
In addition, he promised to fund the construction of a storey building for the school, equipped with smart boards and other digital learning tools, to modernize the learning environment and encourage technology integration in public schools.
Tijani also commended the Ogun State Commissioner for Education for embracing digital tools in classrooms and advancing the role of technology in the educational sector.
“Digital education is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he said.
