The Federal Government has taken a step forward in advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with the launch of the country’s first multilingual large language model (mLLM). This innovative tool, which was announced by Communications Minister Bosun Tijani on social media, has the potential to change the way AI solutions are used in Nigeria and beyond. The tool is a sophisticated artificial intelligence system capable of comprehending, processing, and generating text in multiple languages.
This launch was part of a 4-day AI workshop held in Abuja, which brought together over 120 AI experts to co-create and quicken AI development in Nigeria. The minister emphasized that the LLM will be trained in five low-resource languages and accented English, ensuring stronger language representation in existing datasets. The project will be supported by over 7,000 fellows from the @3MTTNigeria program, further solidifying the government’s commitment to advancing AI solutions. The AI tool, developed in partnership with local and global tech companies, will make a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond.
Launch of AI center shows FG committed to driving economic growth.
Additionally, the minister announced the relaunch of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in collaboration with Cisco, a renowned cybersecurity firm. This centre, the first of its kind in Africa, is a special-purpose vehicle created to promote research and development on emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things. Its practical application in areas of Nigerian national interest will be a key focus. With its improved capacity, the new AI center will better fulfill its mandate as a digital innovation and research facility, driving progress and innovation in the field.
Again, the launch of the mLLM and the relaunch of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics demonstrate the government’s dedication to utilizing the power of AI and other emerging technologies to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. These initiatives have the potential to position Nigeria as a leader in the African tech ecosystem and a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Also, the government’s commitment to developing AI solutions that cater to the country’s diverse language needs is an important step towards promoting inclusivity and bridging the digital divide.
Nigeria’s diverse language needs can now be met.
Of course, the mLLM has the potential to improve communication and access to information for millions of Nigerians who speak different languages, promoting greater understanding and unity across the country. The mLLM is also expected to have a positive impact on various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance. For instance, it can help improve the quality of education by providing personalized learning experiences for students, regardless of their language proficiency. In the healthcare sector, it can facilitate better communication between healthcare providers and patients, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
Furthermore, in the finance sector, it can enhance customer service and improve access to financial services for underserved communities. The launch of the Large Language Model and the relaunch of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are also testaments to the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. The government’s support for AI development and deployment is expected to attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
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Overall, the launch of the mLLM and the relaunch of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics marks an exciting new chapter in Nigeria’s AI journey. It has far-reaching implications for the country’s economic, social, and political development. As the country continues to make sense of the complexities of the digital age, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s determination to use the power of AI and other emerging technologies to build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
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