BY TOLU AIYEGBUSI
In 1950 British mathematician, computer scientist and logician, Alan Turing, published his ‘Computer Machinery and Intelligence` which was meant to test the intelligence of machines.
Two years later, Arthur Samuel developed a computer programme which was used to play games.
In 1955 John McCarthy at a computing workshop came up with the first usage of ‘Artificial Intelligence’’ (AI) at a workshop in Dartmouth, a private Ivy League research-based university in Hanover, New Hampshire,
Over the century, AI has continued to grow both in meaning and application.
Today, it can be applied in a variety of ways including in industries, healthcare delivery, postal services, banking, agriculture, research and development to mention just a few.
While developing countries still lag behind in the application of AI to boost economic drive and people’s well-being, many critics say that it has already morphed into an albatross of social concern.
Critics of AI are alarmed. They fear that its wide application in activities hitherto performed by humans could lead to job losses, discontent and social insecurity.
However, advocates of AI insist that most people in developing countries suffer from digital illiteracy which makes it difficult for them to appreciate the importance of AI and how it can be part of the solution to social challenges.
AI has the potential to address digital poverty, depending on how it is implemented, therefore it is essential for leaders to adopt an inclusive approach to maximize its positive potential.
Experts say digital poverty refers to the condition where individuals or communities have limited or no access to digital technology and the internet, as well as the resources or skills to effectively use them.
According to datareportal, Nigeria had a total population of 226.5 million and internet penetration stood at 45.5 per cent representing 103.0 million internet users at the beginning of 2024.
This indicates that 123.4 million people in Nigeria or about 54.5 per cent of the population still do not have access to the internet within the period under review.
In the age of AI, digital inclusion is no more a social issue but a necessity that focuses on lack of internet access, inability to afford devices, internet connectivity, and necessary digital skills.
Discussions about Nigeria’s AI ambitions often elicit criticism from some Nigerians who believe that pushing an AI agenda without first addressing fundamental challenges is putting the cart before the horse.
But collaborative partnerships between government agencies, private sector players, academia, and civil society are essential for creating an ecosystem that nurtures AI innovation and ensures its benefits are shared equitably.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office for National Statistics (NBS) can play crucial roles in driving AI adoption, establishing data governance frameworks, and ensuring ethical considerations in AI implementations.
An Information Technology expert, Saliu Ahmed said amid global overlapping crises such as poverty, persistent inequality, and climate vulnerability, AI presents both promise and peril and Nigeria is not left out.
“On one hand, AI is advancing disease diagnostics, enhancing agricultural productivity, and expanding educational resources.
“On the other hand, it risks becoming a new fault line, dividing those who can harness it from those left behind while also consuming significant amounts of energy and exacerbating climate challenges.
He said digital poverty perpetuates economic inequality, limits job opportunities, hinders access to education and healthcare, and contributes to social exclusion.
“Therefore, tackling digital poverty requires economic interventions, such as subsidizing devices and internet services, and providing digital skills training,’’ Saliu said.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, emphasised that Africa can overcome challenges of poverty, food insecurity, and healthcare by adopting and deploying AI.
At a Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition in Abuja media quoted him as saying that Africa could overcome challenges of poverty, food insecurity, healthcare, and others, using AI.
“AI-powered solutions have the potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.
“However, for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, critical factors such as investing in digital infrastructure, expanding broadband connectivity, ensuring reliable power supply, and fostering a conducive regulatory environment must be addressed,’’ he reportedly said.
Oluwatoyin Dada, an internet security and financial expert believes Nigeria is poised to uplift millions from poverty via its vibrant tech ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirit, youthful population, and supportive government, through AI-driven innovation. He says data poverty mirrors digital poverty, as marginalised groups which lack digital infrastructure are often absent or misrepresented collections of data that are used in AI decision making.
“Without addressing these underlying disparities, AI will replicate and reinforce systemic inequities. Bridging the digital divide is imperative, but focusing solely on digital access is insufficient.’’
“We must envision a stage where the tangible benefits of AI such as improved water distribution, better healthcare outreach, resilient agriculture serves communities, especially those lacking personal digital devices or online connectivity,’’ he said.
According to him, using AI to bypass traditional development pathways to achieve rapid progress in various sectors offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to accelerate its progress and achieve sustainable development.
Dada said by investing in AI research, fostering digital skills development, and promoting entrepreneurship, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The need for digital literacy and AI deployment in Nigeria is further underscored by Mr Christopher Ugbebor, a software engineer.
“By focusing on localised AI solutions and equitable access, Nigeria can harness AI to transform its unemployment challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
“AI holds significant potential to address unemployment in Nigeria by transforming industries, enhancing skills, and fostering innovation.
“AI can spur growth in tech-driven sectors, creating demand for roles like data scientists, AI engineers, and cybersecurity experts,’’ he said.
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