The Imo State Government has declared its readiness to establish Nigeria’s first sub-national Artificial Intelligence Institute (AII), a major step in bolstering the state’s digital economy and positioning Imo as a national leader in technological innovation.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, during a one-day workshop on “Regulatory and Policy Framework for Universal Access of Telecom,” held at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Digital Economy.
According to Dr. Amadi, the planned institute will serve as a hub for AI education, research, and entrepreneurship.
He explained the broader goal of the project:
“Imo State is not only addressing the digital divide but actively pioneering universal access and digital inclusion through bold policy, strategic partnerships, and people-focused innovation.”
He emphasized that the AI Institute is part of a larger effort to stimulate investment, create employment, and boost the overall economy of the state.
Dr. Amadi also revealed that the AI Institute will be located within the soon-to-be-commissioned Imo Digital City, a multimillion-naira tech infrastructure project designed to house innovation-driven institutions and startups.
Despite the progress being made in urban centers, the commissioner acknowledged that rural communities continue to face challenges accessing digital services.
“Urban-rural disparities result in unequal access to essential services, with cities often having greater access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, while rural communities lag behind,” he said.
To bridge that gap, the government has launched multiple initiatives, notably the SkillUp Imo Project, which aims to equip 300,000 residents with digital skills by 2026.
“Over 50,000 youths have already been trained, with access to startup kits, mentorship, and remote job opportunities,” Dr. Amadi noted.
