OpenAI, the U.S.-based artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT, has selected the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the site of its first AI academy in Africa. The announcement was made during UNILAG’s 2025 International Week, themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa.”
The initiative is designed to nurture African talent, expand access to AI education, and foster equitable research collaborations. According to Emmanuel Lubanzadio, OpenAI’s Africa lead, the academy will ensure that “AI provides opportunities for everyone” while strengthening partnerships between African institutions and the global technology community.
A Strategic Milestone for Nigeria
The decision to establish the academy in Lagos underscores Nigeria’s growing reputation as a continental hub for innovation and technology. UNILAG, one of the country’s leading universities, has been positioning itself as a center for cutting-edge research and international collaboration.
The academy will provide training, mentorship, and research opportunities for students, academics, and professionals across Africa, with a focus on building capacity in machine learning, natural language processing, and responsible AI development.
Global Expansion and Leadership
The move comes as OpenAI, now valued at $300 billion, accelerates its global expansion. Under the board leadership of Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi, the company has been acquiring startups, raising billions in funding, and investing heavily in computing infrastructure to support its next generation of AI models.
Analysts view the Lagos academy as part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to diversify its talent pipeline and ensure that Africa — home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population — plays a central role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the OpenAI Academy at UNILAG is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global AI ecosystem, while offering new opportunities for African researchers and innovators to contribute to the development of transformative technologies.
As the continent grapples with both the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, the academy represents a landmark investment in education, equity, and innovation.
Adebayo Ogunlesi Picture by Kosmos energy
