UNILAG to Host AI, Robotics Conference as Nigeria Pushes Digital Infrastructure

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will convene global researchers, policymakers and industry leaders for the 5th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (MIRG-ICAIR 2025) from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the Jelili Adebisi Omotola Hall.

Organized by UNILAG’s Machine Intelligence Research Group (MIRG) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency-NITDA IT Hub (NITHUB), this year’s theme is “Building Sustainable AI-Driven Digital Transformation Infrastructure for African Economies.”

The three-day meeting will examine how AI and robotics can support inclusive growth and tackle constraints in governance, health, finance, education and sustainability.

The programme features keynotes, panels, peer-reviewed papers, workshops and an exhibition. Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Time’s Top 100 Most Influential People in AI, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is slated as special guest of honour. UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, will host.

Confirmed speakers include University of British Columbia, Prof. Muhammed Abdul-Mageed; Google DeepMind, London, Dr. Avishkar Bhoopchand; University of Pretoria, Prof. Chijioke Okorie; Stanford University, Dr. Sanmi Koyejo; NVIDIA, Fatima Tambajang; National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Abuja, Dr. Bunmi Ajala; Google DeepMind, New York, Ndidi M. Elue; Data Science Nigeria, Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi; Alliance4AI, Alex Tsado; and Masakhane African Languages Hub,Dr. Tajudeen Gwadabe.

The Conference Convener, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, stated: “The goal of MIRG-ICAIR 2025 is to deepen Africa’s capacity for AI-driven transformation through sustainable digital infrastructure and collaborative innovation networks. Our continent stands at a crucial point where technology can accelerate inclusive development. This conference provides a platform to shape that future through knowledge, partnerships and shared vision.”

Participants can register and access program details on the website: icair.unilag.edu.ng. The event partners include Moniepoint, Unipod, Jego, Galaxy Backbone, CoreAI, NITHUB and Africa Hyperscalers among others.