Information & Communication Technology (ICT) & AI: Advancing AI-driven education, big data, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) has designated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a primary strategic thematic area, focused on fostering a digital economy to bridge skill gaps and foster innovation.

Key strategies under this thematic area include:

• Digital Economy and Innovation – The strategy aims to transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy by promoting research and development (R&D)

• AI for Science – Using AI to accelerate research in areas like climate forecasting, biotechnology, and material sciences.

• Infrastructure Development – The initiative focuses on building local AI-driven devices (such as drones and robots) to reduce dependency on imports and foster local innovation.

• Ethical and Responsible AI – A key focus area includes the development of frameworks for ethical AI, addressing algorithmic bias, and ensuring data privacy and security.

• Technology Transfer and Capacity Building – The Academy focuses on strengthening the competency of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in ICT and AI for sustainable job creation. The Academy offers free, self-paced courses covering AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and real-world applications.

• Next-Generation AI Models – Research on Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

• AI for Driving Innovation – Utilizing AI to solve local challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and education.

• Language and Context – Training AI models in local languages to ensure better representation, such as Nigeria’s initiative to develop LLMs in low-resource languages

• Ethical AI & Governance – Developing frameworks for data privacy, safety, and responsible AI usage, as seen in Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

• Open Science and Digital Access – Promoting equitable access to digital tools and scientific knowledge to bridge the digital divide

• Hardware and Software Co-design – Focusing on AI-driven devices, such as drones and robots, to reduce import dependency.

Implementation Strategies under this thematic area include:

• Policy Formulation – Developing National AI Strategies that guide the integration of AI across government, private and economic sectors.

• Partnerships – Collaborating with international academies for expertise and resources.

• Youth & SME Empowerment – Strengthening the technological competence of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to create jobs within the digital economy.