From classrooms to clinics, code to policy, Nigeria is undergoing a powerful transformation fueled by artificial intelligence. A new generation of innovators is emerging, individuals who are not only pushing the boundaries of what technology can do but also ensuring that AI development remains inclusive, ethical, and impactful.
These five visionaries are at the forefront of Nigeria’s AI revolution, leading in fields as diverse as education, robotics, healthcare, ethics, and governance. Their work is shaping the future of AI not just for Nigeria or Africa, but for the world.
Success Ojo – AI Accessibility & Education Advocate
Founder & CEO, GMind AI
Success Ojo is a leading voice in the movement to make AI accessible to underserved communities, particularly educators and learners across Africa. As the founder of GMind AI, she has developed a multilingual AI-powered platform designed to support learning and productivity in both formal and informal education settings. GMind AI has received international recognition for its ability to bridge the digital divide by offering user-friendly AI tools that are tailored for African contexts. Through her broader initiatives, including the Realztech Institute and Gotocourse, Dr. Ojo has overseen the training of over 200,000 individuals in AI literacy, empowering them with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. A passionate advocate for ethical AI and inclusion, she is committed to ensuring that AI is used for good designed in Africa but accessible and applicable to classrooms around the globe.
Silas Adekunle – AI & Robotics Entrepreneur
Founder, Awarri (formerly Reach Robotics)
Silas Adekunle rose to international prominence as the creator of MekaMon, the world’s first gaming robot that combines artificial intelligence with augmented reality. This groundbreaking innovation placed him on the global tech map and earned him recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Now, as the founder of Awarri, Adekunle is focused on democratizing access to robotics and AI education across the African continent. His work emphasises the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to participate in the future of technology. By developing local tech infrastructure and educational pathways, he is laying the foundation for Africa’s future leaders in robotics and AI.
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Adebayo Alonge – AI for Healthcare Pioneer
Co-founder & CEO, RxAll
Adebayo Alonge is revolutionizing healthcare in Africa through the application of AI. As the co-founder and CEO of RxAll, he developed an AI-powered handheld scanner capable of detecting counterfeit drugs in real-time a breakthrough that has saved countless lives in low-resource settings. RxAll leverages a combination of artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and spectroscopy to deliver precise drug quality assessments, helping to ensure that patients receive safe and effective medication. Alonge’s work has been recognized by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, and his platform now serves millions across the continent. His vision is a world where technology secures public health and improves medical outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
Chinasa Okolo – AI Ethics & Policy Leader
Fellow, Brookings Institution
Chinasa T. Okolo is a respected researcher and policy expert working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and global development. As a fellow at the Brookings Institution, she focuses on ensuring that AI systems are fair, transparent, and inclusive especially for historically underrepresented populations. Her insights have informed both Nigeria’s national AI strategy and the African Union’s broader AI policy framework. In 2023, she was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI for her groundbreaking work on equitable AI. Okolo continues to play a vital role in shaping global AI governance, advocating for systems that benefit all rather than a privileged few.
Bosun Tijani – AI Governance & Innovation Policy Champion
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
As Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani is leading the country’s efforts to harness the potential of artificial intelligence at a national level. He is spearheading the development and implementation of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, with a focus on ethical governance, innovation, and talent development. Prior to his ministerial role, Dr. Tijani co-founded the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), one of Africa’s most prominent innovation centers. His work emphasizes the importance of building open AI ecosystems and empowering local developers and researchers to drive homegrown solutions. Under his leadership, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape.
These five individuals exemplify the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s AI growth. Dr. Success Ojo is bringing inclusive access to AI in education; Silas Adekunle is igniting robotics innovation; Adebayo Alonge is leveraging AI to improve public health; Chinasa T. Okolo is shaping global policy and ethics; and Dr. Bosun Tijani is driving national strategy and governance. Together, they represent a powerful force redefining what is possible with AI in Africa and beyond.
