AI, Robotics Adoption in Nigeria Still at Early Stage – RAIN CEO

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), Dr. Olusola Ayoola, has said that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in Nigeria is still at an early stage, with current efforts largely focused on public education, awareness, and professional development.
Speaking with National Focus during a telephone interview, Dr. Ayoola noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of Nigerians showing interest in learning artificial intelligence and robotics, particularly among young people and professionals seeking to improve their skills.
According to him, the Federal Government has already taken steps to promote AI by introducing policies aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into the nation’s school curriculum to expose students to emerging technologies from an early age.
“The current state of robotics and AI is at the level of public education, public enlightenment, and professional development. We now have a large number of people interested in learning artificial intelligence and robotics,” he said.
Dr. Ayoola added that robotics competitions among secondary schools and universities, as well as technology exhibitions, are helping to create awareness and encourage innovation across the country.
He explained that organizations, including companies in the oil and gas sector, have also begun exploring the practical applications of robotics through exhibitions that demonstrate how the technology can improve industrial operations. Similarly, farmers are increasingly being introduced to drone technology for agricultural activities such as crop monitoring and precision farming.
Despite these developments, the RAIN CEO stressed that AI and robotics have yet to achieve large-scale industrial adoption in Nigeria.
He noted that while many individuals are already applying AI tools in their workplaces and daily activities based on resources available online, such applications remain largely personal and experimental rather than standardized across industries.
“For now, people are using AI in their jobs based on what they can access remotely or online. The same applies to robotics. Those with smart homes are using intelligent home systems, while others have robotic vacuum cleaners to automate household cleaning,” he said.
Dr. Ayoola observed that sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, safety, and national security are yet to fully embrace AI and robotics because many organizations are still developing the necessary frameworks for implementation.
He identified concerns over robots replacing human jobs, as well as questions about regulating and controlling advanced technologies, as some of the factors slowing widespread adoption.
However, he expressed optimism that Nigeria is making steady progress, noting that increased awareness among business leaders, academics, and policymakers would accelerate the development of standards and procedures for integrating AI and robotics into various sectors of the economy.
“As more professionals understand the value these technologies bring, they will begin to develop proper procedures for adopting robotics in their businesses and artificial intelligence in their operations,” he said.
Dr. Ayoola maintained that while Nigeria is still in the early stages of AI and robotics adoption, growing public awareness, government support, and increasing interest from educational institutions and industry stakeholders indicate a promising future for the country’s digital transformation.