Nigeria has officially planted its flag in the global AI landscape with the launch of the country’s first National Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence. Announced on January 7, 2026, by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the center is strategically located at the University of Jos (UNIJOS)—the Minister's alma mater. This move marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria's National AI Strategy, moving from being a passive consumer of foreign technology to an active architect of "Sovereign AI." The center is designed to serve as a premier hub for advanced research, focusing on the development of inclusive datasets that reflect Nigeria’s unique languages, cultural nuances, and social structures. The establishment of the UNIJOS center is more than a regional development; it is the cornerstone of a nationwide effort to train 30,000 AI specialists and integrate AI-led productivity into agriculture, healthcare, and governance. By positioning a top-...