The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in Nigeria to promote the ethical use of AI through innovative tools.
The event, which took place on Monday, July 22nd, at the UN House in Abuja, was attended by government representatives, private and public sector, academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other key players who pledged their commitment to driving Nigeria towards ethically maximising AI.
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Commitment to Ethical AI Adoption
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, articulated the country’s aspiration to become one of the top three countries ethically leveraging AI among the 194 countries adopting the RAM. He highlighted AI’s transformative potential to positively impact how we live and coexist, influencing our thoughts and shaping our future. However, he acknowledged the challenges and risks associated with AI, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders to ensure its ethical deployment.
Head of the Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr Abdurahamane Diallo, explained that RAM is a comprehensive framework designed to assess and guide countries in ethically utilising AI. He explained that the methodology launched in 2023 helps countries identify gaps, set priorities, and develop strategies for ethical AI adoption.
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Implementation and Future Prospects
Following the observations on UNESCO’s recommendations, Dr Tijani commissioned the Steering Committee and the Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with implementing RAM, ensuring that all relevant parties work together towards ensuring a robust report on Nigeria’s use of the instrument.
The focus will be on implementing the recommendations from the RAM assessment. This includes developing policies and frameworks to support ethical AI, promoting awareness and education about AI ethics, and fostering innovation in AI technologies. In partnership with other stakeholders, the government will drive these efforts, ensuring that AI contributes to sustainable development and social good.
AI offers immense opportunities for Nigeria. By leveraging AI technologies, the country can enhance various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. AI can help improve service delivery, optimise resource allocation, and drive innovation. A strong commitment from various stakeholders and a clear vision for the future successful implementation of RAM will position Nigeria to harness these opportunities while mitigating the associated risks.