OpenAI has announced the establishment of its first Artificial Intelligence Academy in Africa at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The announcement was made during the 2025 International Week hosted by the University of Lagos, an event that convened global leaders in technology, academia, and policy to discuss the role of equitable partnerships in accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.
According to OpenAI, the decision to locate its first African AI academy in Lagos reflects the university’s expanding reputation as a centre for innovation, research excellence, and international collaboration.
The academy is expected to focus on capacity building, applied research, and ethical AI development tailored to African needs.
OpenAI’s Africa Lead, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to building inclusive AI ecosystems and ensuring that innovation benefits are shared equitably.
He explained that the academy would provide a structured platform for training, mentorship, and research collaboration, enabling African students and researchers to participate directly in global AI advancements.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, described the partnership as a major recognition of Nigeria’s emerging role in technological innovation.
She said the collaboration aligns with the institution’s long-term vision to drive Africa’s transition from being a consumer of technology to a creator of solutions that address real challenges in health, education, and governance.
Professor Ogunsola also reiterated that UNILAG’s approach to research is grounded in collaboration and interdisciplinary integration, combining engineering, social sciences, and humanities to create technology that reflects societal priorities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, stated that the university’s model of engagement is built on shared standards and co-design, which positions UNILAG as a reliable partner for global technology leaders seeking locally relevant innovation.
He added that the new academy would strengthen the university’s research output and advance its internationalisation agenda.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended the development and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure.
He noted that the ongoing national fibre optic initiative, which aims to connect all 774 local government areas with high-speed internet, will support initiatives such as the OpenAI Academy by improving access to digital resources nationwide.
Industry leaders present at the event described the collaboration as a strategic turning point for the region. They noted that artificial intelligence represents a key frontier for economic diversification and productivity growth, and that developing local expertise is essential to maintaining competitiveness in the digital economy.
The academy will operate as a training and research centre for AI development across multiple disciplines, offering certification programmes, collaborative research grants, and innovation challenges designed to nurture young African talent.
It will also provide a framework for knowledge exchange between OpenAI and African universities, fostering cross-border cooperation on responsible AI use.
With the launch, Nigeria joins a select group of countries partnering directly with OpenAI to advance artificial intelligence education and innovation.
The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s digital skills base, attract foreign research partnerships, and position Lagos as a regional hub for emerging technologies.
The establishment of the OpenAI Academy at the University of Lagos underscores the growing recognition of African institutions as strategic partners in global technology development.
It also reinforces Lagos’s status as one of the leading centres of digital innovation on the continent, bridging academia, government, and private enterprise in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
