AI Must Be African-Centred to Solve African Problems, Says SA Educational Expert
14:43 19.01.2026 (Updated: 14:55 19.01.2026)
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AI Must Be African-Centred to Solve African Problems, Says SA Educational Expert
Nigeria’s plan to establish its first AI-focused institution, Wini University in Lagos, reflects a broader push by African countries to secure technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on the Global North, Bongani Shabangu, an educational expert at the University of North West, told Sputnik Africa.
Shabangu said the move responds to global shifts in AI development, noting that UNESCO committed at the G20 summit in South Africa to train 15,000 people in AI skills.
He said Nigeria was “responding towards that call” and taking the lead to close the technological gap between the Global South and the North.
“Nigeria is taking the lead to say we also want to be at the forefront of this technological innovation,” he said.
On education, Shabangu said AI brings both opportunities and challenges. While he raised concerns about students misusing AI as a shortcut to degrees, he also acknowledged its benefits, saying it “does simplify life in many ways,” from guiding academic research to helping generate accurate reference lists.
What are the risks of allowing Western nations to control AI development for Africa? Find out in the video.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
Sputnik Africa | X
Nigeria’s plan to establish its first AI-focused institution, Wini University in Lagos, reflects a broader push by African countries to secure technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on the Global North, Bongani Shabangu, an educational expert at the University of North West, told Sputnik Africa.
Shabangu said the move responds to global shifts in AI development, noting that UNESCO committed at the G20 summit in South Africa to train 15,000 people in AI skills.
He said Nigeria was “responding towards that call” and taking the lead to close the technological gap between the Global South and the North.
“Nigeria is taking the lead to say we also want to be at the forefront of this technological innovation,” he said.
On education, Shabangu said AI brings both opportunities and challenges. While he raised concerns about students misusing AI as a shortcut to degrees, he also acknowledged its benefits, saying it “does simplify life in many ways,” from guiding academic research to helping generate accurate reference lists.
What are the risks of allowing Western nations to control AI development for Africa? Find out in the video.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
Sputnik Africa | X
