The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani
The Federal Government has awarded ₦200 million in grants to 55 Nigerian researchers and innovators through two groundbreaking tech programs, the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA). The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and innovation in Nigeria. He highlighted that the grants are aimed at promoting research in artificial intelligence (AI) and enabling the application of cutting-edge Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in various sectors of the economy. These initiatives, according to the minister, are critical steps toward positioning Nigeria as a global leader in tech-driven solutions.
“Through NAIRS and 4IRTA, we are investing in the minds and creativity of Nigerian researchers and innovators, giving them the resources they need to pioneer breakthroughs that will shape our future. The grants will catalyze innovation in critical sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to finance and manufacturing,” Dr. Tijani stated.
NAIRS is focused on advancing AI research, while 4IRTA aims to support the development and application of emerging technologies such as blockchain, quantum computing, and robotics. The grants are expected to spark collaborations between academia, the private sector, and government institutions, driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
The beneficiaries of the programs were selected based on their innovative ideas and research proposals that demonstrate potential for scalable impact. Dr. Tijani underscored that the federal government remains committed to building a robust tech ecosystem, and these grants are just the beginning of a larger strategy to elevate Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape.
As Nigeria continues to embrace technological advancement, the NAIRS and 4IRTA programs will serve as foundational pillars in promoting research, innovation, and digital economy growth, creating opportunities for Nigerian talent to shine on the global stage.
