Youth ministry focuses on AI, digital transformation for governance
By Our Correspondent
The Ministry of Youth Development has emphasised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and governance structures.
Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, said this on Monday in Abuja during a capacity-building workshop on digital transformation and AI, organised by the ministry in collaboration with UNESCO.
Olawande, who was represented by Mr Joseph Samuel, Director of General Services in the ministry, noted that the public sector, being central to policy formulation and service delivery, must evolve to meet the ever-changing expectations of citizens.
“Governments around the world are increasingly leveraging AI, big data, and digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public service,” Olawande said.
He explained that the workshop, anchored on UNESCO’s AI and digital transformation competency framework for civil servants, was to provide participants with a deeper understanding of digital governance principles.
This, he said included AI ethics, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making.
Mr Joshi Manish, who represented Mr Wendi Albert, Head of UNESCO’s office, highlighted that digitalisation had affected nearly every aspect of our lives.
“For digital transformation to succeed, governments need to change the way they function and adopt a whole-of-society, inclusive approach,” Manish said.
He added that digital transformation posed new challenges, especially in the Global South, where there were significant gaps in digital competencies within governments.
Manish pointed out that failure in digital transformation projects often resulted from a lack of IT infrastructure, appropriate policy frameworks, and digital competencies within the government.
“Governments worldwide are increasingly focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that civil servants need to effectively use digital tools and address complex governance challenges.
“UNESCO’s AI and digital transformation competency framework aims to provide guidelines for civil servants, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to enhance their digital capacities.”
Dr Olagunju Idowu, Secretary-General of NATCOM-UNESCO, explained that digital transformation involved integrating digital technologies into all aspects of an organisation to improve operations and deliver value.
He stressed the importance of civil servants in Nigeria embracing AI skills to provide efficient services, problem-solving, and enhanced transparency in government operations.
Mr Ibidapo Okunnu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in his remarks, expressed optimism that the training would equip management and mid-level officers.
This, he said, was especially with the digital literacy and skills necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Okunnu emphasised that digital transformation was not optional but a necessity for effective communication, governance, and national development.
He urged participants to share their knowledge with colleagues for broader institutional benefits.(https://newsatlarge.ng)