Nigerian born data and artificial intelligence expert, Abel Aboh, has been named among the 100 individuals recognised in the Foundever AI 100 UK 2026 for their contributions to the practical application of artificial intelligence. The recognition brings Aboh into a group of professionals drawn from business, government, academia and the third sector who are using AI to develop solutions, influence policy, improve services and support wider adoption of the technology.
Aboh currently works as a Data Management and AI leader at the Bank of England, where his responsibilities include data, information and AI transformation. His professional experience also covers data governance, financial sector data and AI education, while he has spoken at major technology and data events in the United Kingdom. His recognition adds to previous industry acknowledgement, including being a finalist for Data Leader of the Year at the British Data Awards in 2021.
The AI 100 UK recognition also reflects Aboh’s involvement in promoting responsible technology, education and wider access to opportunities in the data economy. The organisers said the 2026 list focuses on people making practical contributions to AI, rather than simply holding prominent technology positions. The official AI 100 process combines assessment by an expert judging panel with a public vote, with the final numerical ranking scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Aboh has also remained vocal about the need for Nigeria to develop a broader and more practical approach to artificial intelligence education and deployment. In June, he argued that Nigeria’s plan to train 36,000 young people in AI and cybersecurity was too limited for the country’s population and called for AI education to begin much earlier in the education system. His latest recognition in the United Kingdom further highlights the growing contribution of Nigerians and people of Nigerian origin to the global development and application of artificial intelligence.