NITDA unveils plans to deploy AI during national youth conference
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to deploy technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to capture and analyse ideas generated by young Nigerians at the maiden National Youth Conference.
The initiative is aimed at helping the government translate youths’ concerns and aspirations into policy proposals for national development.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening of the conference in Abuja, describing Nigerian youths as a strategic asset to the nation.
Inuwa said the conference would provide a structured platform for government to understand young people’s expectations, frustrations and ideas, rather than relying solely on scattered conversations on social media.
He noted that although platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok give youths opportunities to express themselves, the volume of online content makes it difficult to distinguish genuine policy ideas from misinformation and other forms of online noise.
Inuwa said NITDA, in partnership with the relevant ministry, would use technology to capture participants’ contributions, while AI would analyse and organise them into thematic areas for consideration by a committee.
“I want to assure you that all your discussions will be captured, and the technology will keep it, and we will present it to the committee, and government will use that to turn your aspirations into ideas, ideas into proposals, proposals into policies,” he said.
The NITDA DG pledged the agency’s continued support for the initiative, saying it would ensure the technology-driven engagement was conducted openly and transparently.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, led dignitaries at the opening ceremony. Others included NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu; NANS National President, Akinteye Hafeez; members of the academia; and representatives of youth development commissioners from the 36 states.
