The National Universities Commission, NUC, has forged a partnership with U.S.-based Daimlas Corporation, a leader in artificial intelligence, AI, innovation, to develop a nationwide AI ecosystem across Nigerian universities.
The parties formalized the partnership through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, in Abuja.
The collaboration will equip universities with advanced AI infrastructure, research capabilities, and tailored educational frameworks to position Nigeria at the forefront of AI-driven academic advancement.
Speaking on the partnership, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, emphasized the initiative’s transformative potential.
“This four-year project provides a strategic window to assess progress, address challenges, and ensure sustainable integration. Once implemented, these AI systems will become indispensable to our institutions, justifying the necessary investments,” he said.
Ribadu highlighted Nigeria’s existing global academic partnerships as a foundation for success.
Daimlas CEO, Joseph Wehbe, outlined the platform’s design, modeled after active ecosystems in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
“Unlike traditional ICT frameworks, AI ecosystems thrive on interconnected academic research, industry applications, and public-sector collaboration,” he explained.
The platform will enable Nigerian universities to create customized profiles for leadership, students, and alumni, aligning goals such as launching AI degree programs, establishing labs, or securing internships.
Wehbe noted that Nigerian institutions will gain access to international AI hubs in Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, and Washington D.C., fostering cross-border innovation.
According to him, the initiative builds on Daimlas’ existing partnerships with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation.
With automation reshaping entry-level roles, Wehbe stressed the urgency of adaptation: “AI is displacing traditional graduate jobs in fields like law and marketing. Universities must pivot to prepare students for emerging AI-centric careers that demand new skill sets.”
This partnership marks a critical step in aligning Nigeria’s academic output with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, ensuring graduates remain competitive in an AI-dominated future.
