The Data Science Nigeria AI and Robotic Lab is Getting Support From the Japanese Community

Leading Data Science group in Nigeria, Data Science Nigeria (DSN) received a huge boost for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics lab which is located at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The group hosted the Japanese Embassy envoy from Japan, South Africa and Abuja offices to the hub with promises of collaboration and support for its programmes.

The delegation had Takashi Konno, Director, Technical Division, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Masa Sugano, Director Japan Trade Organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Head of Economic Section, Japanese Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria and Kei Kondo, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo, Japan.

The engagement explored 4 strategic possibilities with the biggest being the mobilisation of the Japanese AI research community/industry giants to build a world-class Artificial Intelligence/Robotics Laboratory in Nigeria.

The others include an opportunity to access the Japanese AI research/learning community for mentorship, best practices support as well as a support of DSN’s Bootcamps and learning events.

Recall that the hub was launched in June with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and representatives of Microsoft, KPMG, FCMB, Chevron as well as a host of other industry players and enthusiasts in attendance. The aim, we were told, was to improve Artificial Intelligence methodologies in the country, to source for new AI ideas as well as talent with a focus on deep learning and data analytics.

So far, the DSN group has kept to its promise.

The event also featured presentations from some members of DSN. Ayo Olabiyi showcased DSN’s Check4Me solution to the delegates while Opeoluwa Iwashokun showcased the Palm recognition solution she had developed while Adeola Adesina spoke briefly about the Drugger solution (an intersection of pharmacy and AI).

About Data Science Nigeria

Data Science Nigeria is a non-profit initiative driven by MTN’s Chief Transformation Officer, Bayo Adekanmbi, spurred on by a compelling drive to raise a new generation of data scientists and knowledge entrepreneurs who will lead high-impact Artificial Intelligence research for socio-economic development, transformational innovation, and the economic prosperity of Nigeria and the continent at large.

The goal is to position Nigeria to become the outsourcing hub for international Data Science/Advanced Analytics/Big Data projects, with an opportunity to access at least 1% share of the global big data and analytics market, valued at $150b in 2017 ($203b in 2020).

The will be marking its second year anniversary in December.