I’ll sponsor bill to regulate AI – Abass

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressed the urgent need for regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in the country during his address at the 2022/2023 convocation ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies — University of Benin (NILDS-UNIBEN).

Highlighting the potential risks of AI, Abbas stressed the importance of preventing misuse and abuse of this technology, noting the possibility of biases within datasets and algorithms, job displacement, and the rise of identity theft and fraud through AI-generated deep fakes, used to deceive and cause societal unrest.

Acknowledging both the opportunities and threats posed by AI, Abbas announced the upcoming introduction of a bill aimed at regulating AI in Nigeria, signaling a pioneering effort within Africa and globally.

Moreover, he addressed the education sector’s challenges in Nigeria, emphasizing low enrolment, outdated curricula, insufficient infrastructure, gender disparities, and the impact of insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abbas pledged reforms in the educational curriculum to match the rapidly evolving global landscape, aiming to address skill mismatch and foster innovation.