UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology Launched To Promote Ethical Use Of AI In Nigeria

Nigeria’s plan to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) took a significant step forward with the official implementation of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in the country.

Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of Abuja Office and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative to Nigeria, stated at the launch in Abuja that the event marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s journey towards ethical artificial intelligence practices.

Diallo stated, “As we gather here at the UN House, we are reminded of the transformative power of AI in driving innovation and sustainable development across our country. UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) serves as a beacon of guidance, ensuring that our AI advancements are not only ground-breaking but also in line with global ethical and responsibility standards.

“We are especially proud that Nigeria has joined us in UNESCO’s custodial role of promoting AI ethics around the world. 193 countries have adopted UNESCO’s Recommendations on the Ethics of AI, which provide a strong framework for the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. These recommendations emphasise human rights, fairness, transparency, and accountability, and it is encouraging to see Nigeria commit to these principles as we collaborate to create an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem.”

He continued, “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the profound impact that artificial intelligence has on our society. AI pervades many aspects of our daily lives, and its ethical implications have become a focal point for all stakeholders in the ecosystem. Recognising this, in 2023, UNESCO launched the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a critical tool for implementing its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which was adopted by 193 countries in 2021.

“The RAM, with its comprehensive framework of five dimensions, is an important tool for determining a country’s readiness to implement AI ethically and responsibly.” It highlights strengths while identifying infrastructural, institutional, and regulatory gaps, allowing countries to effectively address these challenges and establish an ethical AI ecosystem.”

Dr. Idowu Olagunju, Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), stated: “I am confident that today’s discussions will pave the way for significant advancements in our national AI strategy, aligning with UNESCO’s global mission of promoting ethical AI.”

He said, “Let us embark on this journey together, as we work towards a future in which AI is harnessed for the greater good, in accordance with our shared values and ethical principles.”

Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Steering and Technical Working Committees and Launching the Project, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, expressed the country’s readiness to take advantage of the value addition of AI, noting that youths have already been sensitised and mobilised to evolve the use of AI.

He praised UNESCO’s support for ensuring that AI is ethically embraced, noting that the government is working to make the country a leader in artificial intelligence.

He stated that with the diversity of the committees formed for the AI project, Nigeria is on an interesting journey to the top.