The University of Lagos has partnered with OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, to launch the first OpenAI Academy in Africa, aimed at equipping students, researchers, and innovators with world-class artificial intelligence skills tailored to African realities.
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This was made known on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of UNILAG’s 5th International Week, themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa,” held at the J. F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, Akoka.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the partnership represented a major leap in the university’s drive to advance equitable technology collaboration and prepare young Africans for the future of work.
“Artificial Intelligence is not the future; it is the present. For Africa, AI offers a chance to leapfrog systemic challenges, reimagine our institutions, and create solutions that fit our context. This partnership with OpenAI is not just about learning technology — it’s about shaping it to serve our people,” she said.
She emphasised that Africa must be an active contributor to the global AI ecosystem, not a passive consumer of imported systems.
“We cannot continue to depend solely on tools developed for other realities. Our students are already developing AI models for health diagnostics in low-connectivity areas and tools for maternal care in rural clinics. These are innovations the world should learn from,” Ogunsola added.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that UNILAG had earned over $28 million in international research funding and continued to build global alliances that prioritised mutual growth and knowledge exchange.
“At UNILAG, we are intentional about partnerships that recognise our value. Equity in collaboration means shared ownership of ideas, access, and impact,” she said.
OpenAI’s Africa Lead, Mr Emmanuel Lubanzadio, said the academy — the first of its kind on the continent — would train students, educators, and innovators on how to use and build with AI tools such as ChatGPT, with a focus on education, governance, and the creative industries.
“We’re here to democratise access to intelligence. The OpenAI Academy is designed to equip Africans with practical, hands-on experience using AI tools that can transform classrooms, start-ups, and communities,” Lubanzadio said.
He added that the decision to host the first OpenAI Academy at UNILAG reflected the university’s leadership in innovation and digital learning.
“The University of Lagos is a model for how AI can be localised to address real social needs. This academy will not only empower students here but also serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across Africa,” he said.
The second keynote speaker, Managing Director and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Bank of America, Yvonne Ike, challenged African institutions to move faster in preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.
“Our challenge, even as we excel, is how fast we can equip our students for the realities of a world driven by AI. As much as I admire UNILAG’s leadership, I urge us to accelerate, expand, and elevate every dream we have for Africa. We cannot wait for others to define our digital destiny,” she said.
Ike added that Africa must design partnerships that serve its own developmental priorities.
“Africa must not sit back while others decide how to engage with us. We must lead, direct the traffic, and make technology work for us,” she said.
A highlight of the opening day was a panel session titled “AI and the Future of African Cities,” featuring speakers from the African Cities Research Consortium, the University of Manchester (UK), and other institutions.
Panellists included Prof. Diana Mitlin of the University of Manchester; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner of Future Africa; Prof. Matthew Guah of South Carolina State University; and Eniola Adeleke, an undergraduate student of UNILAG.
The discussion explored how AI could address urban challenges, governance, and inclusive development in African cities.
The session was moderated by Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office, UNILAG, Dr Olayinka Adewumi, who emphasised the importance of cross-generational dialogue and collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
“We’re seeing how young Africans, when given access to AI tools, are not just learning — they’re leading,” Adewumi said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Foluso Lesi, said the university’s internationalisation strategy focused on producing solutions that work under local conditions but have global relevance.
“Our approach is not just to collaborate but to co-create. When innovations succeed here, under our unique constraints, they tend to succeed anywhere,” he said.
The event also featured the Ministers of Education and Communications, Dr Tunji Alausa and Dr Bosun Tijani, as well as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who all sent representatives and commended UNILAG for driving Nigeria’s participation in the global knowledge economy.
The UNILAG International Week, coordinated by the Director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects, Prof. Ismail Ibraheem, continues through Thursday with workshops, exhibitions, and training sessions under the OpenAI Academy, focusing on AI in education, journalism, public service, and the creative industries.
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