Breaking News: UNILAG Selected as Africa’s First OpenAI Academy Hub

OpenAI Academy in UNILAG: Everything You Need to Know About Africa’s First AI Training Hub

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has made history as the first African institution to host an OpenAI Academy, marking a transformative moment for artificial intelligence education on the continent. This landmark partnership was announced on October 14, 2025, during UNILAG’s 2025 International Week themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa.”

What is the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG?

The OpenAI Academy at the University of Lagos is a cutting-edge AI training and research hub that provides free courses and capacity-building opportunities for students, researchers, professionals, and innovators across Africa. This initiative is designed to democratize access to artificial intelligence education and ensure that African talent plays an active role in shaping the future of AI technology.

Key Features of the OpenAI Academy UNILAG

Free AI Training Programs: The academy offers completely free courses on how to effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT for various applications including education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and business development.

Hands-On Learning: Sessions are led by expert facilitators who showcase real-world applications of AI across Nigeria and the broader African continent, ensuring that learning is practical and contextually relevant.

Global Accessibility: While physically based at UNILAG in Akoka, Lagos, the academy’s resources are accessible to people globally, with a special focus on serving African communities.

Research and Innovation Hub: The facility serves as a center for AI research and development, nurturing local talent and encouraging the creation of solutions tailored to African challenges.

Why UNILAG Was Chosen for Africa’s First OpenAI Academy

Emmanuel Lubanzadio, OpenAI’s Africa Lead, explained that UNILAG was selected based on several critical factors:

Proven Track Record in Innovation: UNILAG has established itself as a powerhouse in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with over $28 million in research funding secured through international collaborations.

Commitment to Equitable Partnerships: The university demonstrates a strong dedication to using technology to address real human needs and solve local problems with tech-backed solutions.

Academic Excellence: UNILAG produces world-class graduates who compete successfully on global stages against students from prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Harvard.

Strategic Location: Lagos, Nigeria’s tech hub, provides an ideal environment for fostering AI innovation and attracting talent from across the continent.

What You Can Learn at the OpenAI Academy

The academy offers comprehensive training covering:

Effective use of ChatGPT and other AI tools for academic research
AI applications in healthcare and medical diagnostics
Agricultural technology and food security solutions
Government and public sector AI deployment
Business and entrepreneurship with AI integration
Data science and machine learning fundamentals
Ethical AI development and deployment strategies

How to Access the OpenAI Academy UNILAG

Location and Contact Information

Physical Address: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria

Programme Launch: The academy officially began operations on October 15, 2025, with ongoing sessions throughout UNILAG’s International Week and beyond.

Eligibility and Admission

The OpenAI Academy is open to:

UNILAG students across all faculties
Researchers and academics from African institutions
Tech professionals and developers
Entrepreneurs and startup founders
Government officials and policymakers
Anyone interested in learning about AI applications

No prior technical experience is required for many introductory courses, making AI education accessible to beginners and experts alike.

The Vision Behind OpenAI Academy at UNILAG

Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, emphasized that “Artificial Intelligence is not the future; it is the present. For Africa, AI represents an opportunity to leapfrog limitations and reimagine education, healthcare, governance, and industry.”

The academy embodies a vision where:

African Talent Leads Innovation: Rather than being passive consumers of technology, Africans become active creators and innovators in the AI space.
Solutions Address Local Challenges: AI innovations developed in Africa can serve as models for solving both continental and global problems.
Knowledge is Democratized: Innovation isn’t concentrated in a few hands but spread across communities, ensuring inclusive growth.
Partnerships are Equitable: Collaborations are rooted in shared growth, mutual respect, and co-creation rather than charity.

Government Support and National AI Strategy

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the government’s commitment to AI development through:

The National AI Strategy launched in April 2024, designed to be one of the most inclusive and human-centered in the world
The Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme training young Nigerians in software development, data science, and machine learning
National fiber optic initiative connecting all 774 local government areas with high-speed internet
Strategic partnerships mobilizing billions in support from MTN, Google, Microsoft, and other tech partners

Impact on Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem

The establishment of the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG positions Nigeria as a continental leader in:

AI Education and Research: Attracting investment, talent, and innovation networks to Nigeria
Startup Development: Providing entrepreneurs with cutting-edge AI skills to build competitive businesses
Employment Opportunities: Creating pathways for young Africans to enter high-demand AI and tech careers
Global Recognition: Showcasing Nigerian institutions as world-class centers of excellence

ChatGPT Usage Statistics and Global Context

OpenAI’s Africa Lead revealed that over 500 million people worldwide use ChatGPT weekly, demonstrating the tool’s massive global impact. The OpenAI Academy aims to ensure that Africans are not just consumers but also contributors to this AI revolution.

Future Prospects and Opportunities

The UNILAG-OpenAI partnership represents more than a symbolic milestone. It’s a strategic investment in:

Human Capital Development: Africa’s young population of nearly one billion people represents an enormous opportunity for innovation and leadership in AI.

Economic Growth: AI-skilled professionals can drive digital transformation across industries, from fintech to agriculture to healthcare.

Continental Leadership: Success at UNILAG could create a blueprint for similar academies across African cities like Nairobi, Accra, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Global Collaboration: The academy facilitates knowledge exchange between African researchers and international AI experts.

Industry Perspectives

Yvonne Ike, Managing Director and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Bank of America, commended the initiative stating: “When UNILAG graduates come up against students from Cambridge or Harvard, they shine—no complex, no hesitation.” She emphasized that Africa’s greatest advantage in the AI era is its human capital.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the OpenAI Academy represents a significant opportunity, experts identify key challenges:

Ensuring sustained funding beyond the launch phase
Faculty development and continuous training
Public-private collaboration to translate research into commercial value
Infrastructure development to support AI education and research
Accessibility for students from underserved communities

How to Stay Updated

For the latest information about the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG:

Visit the UNILAG Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects
Follow UNILAG’s official social media channels
Check OpenAI’s official announcements for Africa
Attend UNILAG’s International Week events and AI-focused workshops

Conclusion: A New Chapter for African AI Innovation

The establishment of Africa’s first OpenAI Academy at UNILAG marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s technological journey. This partnership demonstrates that Africa is ready to move from the periphery to the center of global AI conversations—not as recipients of technology, but as co-creators and innovators.

For students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and across Africa, the OpenAI Academy represents an unprecedented opportunity to gain world-class AI education completely free of charge. It’s an invitation to be part of shaping the future of technology on the continent and contributing solutions that Africa—and the world—needs.

The future of AI is indeed in Lagos, and the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG is leading the way.

Last Updated: October 2025