Concerns surrounding the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to displace human labour were decisively addressed at the ongoing IndabaX Nigeria 2025, where experts affirmed that the technology would, in fact, serve as a powerful engine for job creation, innovation, and economic advancement.
Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, is currently hosting what has been described as the largest AI-focused academic and research gathering in Africa. The high-level event has brought together over 500 participants, including researchers, scholars, industry leaders, tech entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Delegates from more than 30 tertiary institutions within and beyond Nigeria are in attendance, reinforcing the summit’s regional significance.
The three-day conference, IndabaX Nigeria 2025, also marks the official unveiling of the Fourth Generation Artificial Intelligence Systems—an innovation developed by Summit University in collaboration with global technology partners. This milestone underscores the institution’s growing influence in the field of AI and its commitment to research-driven solutions for African development.
In his address to journalists and participants, the Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, emphasised that Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, defined by cyber-physical systems and advanced automation. He described AI not as a threat, but as a strategic tool that will redefine labour, stimulate new industries, and support sustainable growth across sectors.
“Artificial Intelligence will not eliminate jobs; rather, it will transform the workforce and create new roles across cybersecurity, robotics, software engineering, and digital services,” Professor Aibinu stated.
Drawing parallels with past technological transitions, he cited the computer revolution and the emergence of GSM technology in Nigeria as examples of how innovation has historically led to expanded employment opportunities rather than diminished them.
Professor Aibinu, an authority in Mechatronics Engineering and Machine Vision, further noted that AI presents significant opportunities to address challenges in key sectors such as agriculture, national security, public administration, and trade. He highlighted the potential for AI-enabled tools—such as autonomous drones and intelligent surveillance systems—to improve decision-making, increase productivity, and ensure the efficient management of national resources.
“Globally, digital platforms and app-based economies now surpass the oil and gas sector in revenue generation. Nigeria must strategically position itself by investing in digital infrastructure and talent to remain competitive,” he added.
Themed around the democratization of AI knowledge, ethical development, and innovation for local impact, the summit seeks to foster meaningful collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions. It aims to ensure that the continent is not merely a consumer of emerging technologies but an active contributor to global knowledge systems.
Chairperson of the IndabaX Nigeria Steering Committee, Mr. Ahmed Olanrewaju, described the event as a strategic platform for cross-sectoral engagement on artificial intelligence.
“IndabaX Nigeria provides a unique opportunity for dialogue on AI policy, technical research, and applied solutions. It is a convergence point for some of the brightest minds on the continent,” he remarked.
In a similar vein, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Mrs. Ganiyat Afolabi-Yusuf, underscored the summit’s role in facilitating practical, home-grown solutions tailored to Africa’s developmental priorities.
“This is more than a conference. It is a functional space for designing and implementing AI-driven solutions that address the continent’s realities,” she said.
The conference programme includes academic paper presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops, all designed to explore the transformative role of AI in reshaping Africa’s technological and socio-economic landscape.
With its forward-looking agenda and emphasis on inclusion, IndabaX Nigeria 2025 is poised to leave a lasting impact on the continent’s innovation ecosystem and solidify Nigeria’s leadership in the global discourse on Artificial Intelligence.
