The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to make history as the first African institution to establish an OpenAI Academy, following a new partnership with the global artificial intelligence research and development company, OpenAI.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday, October 14, by Emmanuel Lubanzadio, OpenAI’s Africa lead, during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the University of Lagos’ 2025 International Week, themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa.”
The academy, scheduled for official launch on Wednesday, October 15, will offer free AI learning resources and capacity building opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals across Africa.
Lubanzadio described the collaboration as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at democratizing access to AI education and empowering Africa to take an active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
He said, “The OpenAI Academy can be accessed by everyone globally.
“It provides free courses on how governments, scholars and individuals can use AI tools like ChatGPT effectively.
“Our collaboration with the University of Lagos will establish the first OpenAI Academy in Africa, beginning this week, with sessions led by facilitators who will showcase how AI is being used across Nigeria and the continent.”
He noted that the decision to begin the academy in Lagos was driven by UNILAG’s track record in innovation and its growing role in advancing technology driven education.
The vice chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, said this year’s international week goes beyond discussions on technology; it is about shaping the narrative of inclusion, innovation, and global equity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Ogunsola said, “Artificial intelligence is not the future, it is the present.
“AI represents an opportunity for Africa to leapfrog limitations and reimagine education, healthcare, governance and industry.
“But for AI to truly serve Africa, it must be built on equitable partnerships rooted not in charity, but in shared growth and co creation.”
Ogunsola, emphasized the university’s dedication to advancing AI research and innovation tailored to address Africa’s unique challenges and realities.
She cited the university’s innovation challenges and international collaborations that have led to the development of AI tools specifically designed for communities with limited internet connectivity and unstable power supply.
Ogunsola further noted that UNILAG’s active participation in global research networks has established it as a leading hub for interdisciplinary AI research.
The ongoing collaborations have attracted more than $28 million in research funding to the institution.
Representing the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, the National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Olubunmi Ajala, commended UNILAG for convening the programme.
Tijani said Nigeria government is pursuing an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at positioning the country as a leader in AI and digital innovation.
He highlighted initiatives such as the national AI strategy, launched in April 2024, and the three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, designed to train young Nigerians in software development, data science, and machine learning.
He said, “Our national AI strategy remains one of the most inclusive and human centred in the world.
“Through strategic partnerships, we have mobilised billions in support from MTN, Google, Microsoft, and other partners.
“This is partnership in action, government providing the framework, private sector bringing resources, and young Nigerians driving innovation.”
He also pointed to Nigeria’s recently launched government backed multimodal language model, describing it as the first of its kind on the continent.
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