Lawmakers in Nigeria’s upper house have discussed a proposal to set up a centre for artificial intelligence, new ideas, and tech solutions in Omuo-Ekiti, a town in Ekiti State. The chat took place during a main meeting led by the deputy head of the Senate.
The idea comes from a senator who represents part of Ekiti South. He first brought it up in late May. The spot would act as a key place for studies, skill-building, and team-ups on smart tech like robots, data work, and cutting-edge tools. It would help Nigeria keep up in the fast-growing world of digital work and brainy new businesses.
The senator kicked off the talk by saying smart tech now drives how countries run, trade, teach, heal, and stay safe. He warned that places ignoring these tools could drop out of the modern money game. The centre would link bosses, companies, and schools to train young people in top digital skills.
They picked Omuo-Ekiti because Ekiti leads in learning and smart thinking across the country. The hub would spark fresh ideas and jobs in the south-west and beyond. Once running, it would build home-made fixes for farm work, health care, schools, and public jobs. It would give youths tools to shine worldwide in tech and cut the need to buy foreign gadgets by growing local ones.
The senator made clear the plan would not add red tape, but create a top spot to push tech ahead for all. “Smart tech marks the next big step for people. Every rich country puts money into these setups. Nigeria must join in,” he said. He called on fellow lawmakers to back it as a smart move to claim Nigeria’s share of world tech.
But hurdles stand in the way, like low cash for studies, weak internet in far-off spots, and fears it might copy jobs from groups already handling tech and info. Past talks have flagged worries over keeping it going, finding staff, and avoiding it turning into a forgotten build.
Supporters say skipping a focused spot for smart skills would leave Nigeria buying outside tools, not making its own to create work and new trades.
