The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI to establish Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Academy, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of AI education and innovation on the continent.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday during UNILAG’s 2025 International Week themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” marks OpenAI’s inaugural educational collaboration in Africa.

Emmanuel Lubanzadio, OpenAI’s Africa Lead, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the academy’s mission to foster inclusive AI development tailored to African contexts—from agriculture and healthcare to education and public services. He also addressed critical ethical considerations, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact of automation on employment.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola hailed the partnership as a “transformative leap,” combining OpenAI’s global expertise with the university’s research capabilities to train students and professionals in machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics. The academy will begin with 500 participants in its first year, scaling to thousands through online modules, scholarships, and targeted outreach to underrepresented communities.

The initiative arrives as African nations navigate the promise and pitfalls of AI. While the technology offers opportunities to leapfrog development challenges, experts warn of deepening inequalities if access remains limited to urban or elite populations. Critics have urged the inclusion of locally relevant content to avoid “digital colonialism,” while supporters point to successful OpenAI-backed hubs in India and Brazil that have catalyzed startups and policy reforms.

With Nigeria aiming for a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and ICT already contributing 15% to GDP, the AI Academy is poised to accelerate talent development and digital transformation. UNILAG has committed lab space, faculty exchanges, and infrastructure support, with the first learning modules set to launch in Q1 2026.

As Africa’s digital future unfolds, the academy stands as a bold step toward democratizing AI education—anchored in Lagos, but with continental ambition.