AI must be guided by ethics, human-centered values – CITAD Director

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the creation of a national policy to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria is guided by ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered values.
Speaking at the launch of the Digital Tech Policy Forum in Kano, CITAD’s Executive Director, Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, said the forum was established to encourage continuous dialogue between policymakers, academics, and civil society on key digital issues.

“Our goal is to make sure that technology policy in Nigeria is not reactive but proactive,” Ya’u said.

 “AI must be guided by ethics and human-centered values so that innovation benefits people rather than harms them.”

He explained that the newly launched Forum, themed, “Towards a National AI Policy,” would hold monthly sessions to address emerging technology policy challenges. 

He added that a national AI framework would help the country build public trust in technology-driven governance.

Dr. Hadiza Umar, Head of Computer Science Department at Bayero University, Kano, warned that AI’s growing influence across different sectors requires immediate policy attention. 

“AI is transforming every sector from education to agriculture but without regulation, it can also widen inequality,” she said.