The Founder of the FutureMap Foundation Dr. Shuaib Sani Shuaib has emphasized the critical role of technology in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges saying that the country can leverage on AI to bridge the current gulf of global digital divide.
Speaking at the grand finale of a five-day workshop themed “The Workshop of the Future,” held in Jigawa State, the foundation’s founder, Dr. Shuaib highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in agriculture, health, education, and climate change, among other key sectors. The event brought together stakeholders, including the Jigawa ICT and Digital Economy Development Agency (JICTDE), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Huawei, and the Jigawa State Government.
Dr. Shuaib who shared his early experiences with technology, recounting how he built his first website using JavaScript as a secondary school graduate, urged the government to introduce mandatory tech education for children at an early age, noting that his passion for technology was ignited through repairing software for friends and neighbors.
“My passion for technology has always driven me,” he remarked, underlining the importance of fostering innovation from a young age.
The workshop showcased FutureMap’s latest initiative, “The Workshop of the Future,” which leverages technology to address critical issues in health, education, and skills development. The founder described the project as transformative, aiming to create sustainable solutions for underserved communities. Attendees included government officials, tech enthusiasts, and other key stakeholders from Northern Nigeria, who commended the foundation’s efforts in driving innovation.
Dr. Shuaib applauded the collaborative efforts of the workshop’s partners, particularly JICTDE, NITDA, and Huawei, for their unwavering support. “This vision could not have been realized without their contributions,” he said, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved. The event underscored the significance of partnerships in achieving impactful technological advancements.
At another session, an AI researcher and consultant, Dr Umar Adam Ibrahim taught Design Thinking to civil servants, business professionals, and freelancers, equipping them with practical skills for innovation and problem-solving. Through phases like Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test, participants learned to address stakeholder challenges, generate creative solutions, and refine ideas through feedback.
He also spoke on how Civil servants can develop citizen-centered policies, how businesspeople can enhance customer satisfaction, and how freelancers can align deliverables with client needs.
Participants hailed the initiative as a model for using innovation to foster development both locally and globally. Dr. Shuaib reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to societal transformation through technology, emphasizing that such efforts are essential for building a sustainable future. The interactive, session provided tools for driving efficiency and impact to strengthened Jigawa’s workforce, promote sustainable development and innovation across public and private sectors