First AI university to open in Nigeria

What’s the news? The first AI-focused university in the country, Wini University, is set to open in Epe, Lagos! The goal? To turn Africa into a major player in the global AI market while equipping Nigerian youths with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence.

Here’s what I’ve got for you today:

• First AI university to open in Nigeria
• How U.S. policies may shape Africa’s startup ecosystem
• Nigerians to pay 50% more for calls, Internet

First AI university to open in Nigeria

Inspired by Qatar’s AI university, which pulled in top talent from across the globe, this Nigerian project has been years in the making. It all started back in 2016 when a group of visionaries from Boston and Nigeria began laying the groundwork. Now, after rallying support and getting the green light from the National University Commission (NUC), the dream is becoming a reality.

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Wini University aims to do more than just teach — it’s about creating a tech ecosystem that could transform Lagos into Africa’s Silicon Valley. The focus will be on equipping students with in-demand skills like blockchain, quantum computing, machine learning, and generative AI, making them active players in the booming global AI market. And with the global AI market expected to hit $4.6 trillion by 2040, this is a huge step toward putting Africa on the global tech map.

The decision to build in Epe ties into Lagos State’s larger vision of becoming the “California of Africa.” President Bola Tinubu’s push to attract global investors and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to boost Lagos’s economy to fifth place in Africa have made this the perfect spot for such an ambitious project. Traditional rulers and leaders in the area are fully on board too, even donating ancestral land for the university’s permanent site.

Wini University promises to not just boost Epe’s economy but completely transform it, shifting from agriculture to a thriving digital economy. This means quality jobs, innovations like drones, humanoid robots, and AI solutions for climate change, and an influx of global partnerships and investments. The vision is clear: Wini University isn’t just about education — it’s about driving Africa’s tech future.

Wini University definitely has potential, but there are a few things they’ll need to get right. First off, it’s going to take a lot of resources to get it up and running—things like qualified teachers, solid infrastructure, and consistent funding. Without these, it could struggle. Then, the curriculum has to stay on top of global AI trends and actually equip students with the skills to compete internationally, not just teach theory.

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And finally, they really need to make sure the university is accessible to a diverse group of students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, so it’s actually inclusive. Without this, they might miss the mark.

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How U.S. policies may shape Africa’s startup ecosystem

Here’s a snack: Remember the whole TikTok ban drama during Trump’s first term? Well, the plot has thickened. Ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration yesterday, January 20, 2025, he reportedly asked for the TikTok ban to be lifted. Yep, the same guy who was all about banning it back in 2020. It’s wild, but it seems like Trump 2.0 might bring a few surprises.

Unto the real deal: Trump’s return to the White House, after securing the November 2024 elections, is a big moment not just for the United States but also for global markets and Africa’s tech ecosystem. His first stint as president was packed with corporate tax cuts, strict immigration rules, and a dismissive stance on climate change — all of which left their mark on African startups trying to go global.

Let’s talk immigration, a hot topic Trump loves. In his first term, he cracked down hard on migration, including a temporary freeze on H-1B visas. This time, he’s singing a slightly different tune, telling the New York Post he’s all for skilled immigration. But let’s not pop the champagne yet — his broader “America-first” mindset could still mean stricter pathways for African entrepreneurs trying to tap into U.S. resources and networks.

For example, stricter visas could make it harder for African founders to travel and connect with U.S. investors. But here’s the twist: remote work is thriving, and many startups are finding ways to collaborate without needing to board a flight. As Satgana’s CEO, Romain Diaz, put it, virtual partnerships are leveling the playing field.

Still, visa restrictions could have ripple effects. Eghosa Omoigui from EchoVC noted that the U.S. might focus on cherry-picking top global talent for domestic projects, which could push African talent to stay local and boost regional ecosystems.

But on the flip side, tighter policies could impact remittance flows — critical for startups in sectors like fintech. As Amaka Anku from Eurasia Group explained, “If visa restrictions hit, remittances might dip, but it’s a long-term effect, not something immediate.”

Then there’s Trump’s corporate tax cuts. During his first term, they spurred VC investments in the U.S., but whether this benefits African startups depends on how those funds trickle across borders.

It’s a mixed bag, honestly. Trump’s return could bring opportunities or challenges, depending on where you stand. For more insights, check out Chimgozirim’s story!

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Nigerians to pay 50% more for calls, Internet

The Nigerian telecom regulator, NCC, has officially approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, the first hike in over a decade. This decision comes as the sector struggles with financial losses fueled by the naira’s devaluation and skyrocketing operational costs.

While the news has sparked plenty of chatter, the NCC argues the move is crucial to keep the industry afloat without breaking the bank for consumers. Let’s face it, the telecom industry is a big deal for Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and providing jobs for thousands. But rising costs have been hitting operators hard.

The hike applies to both voice and data services, which telecom companies have been pushing for since last year. They initially proposed a massive 100% increase, claiming inflation and currency woes were crushing them. Back in August 2024, they even floated the idea of rolling blackouts (like the power sector does) to manage their services. By December, rumours of a 40% hike were making the rounds, which the NCC quickly denied. Then operators doubled down, asking for even more.

After back-and-forth talks, the government decided on a 50% cap — a middle ground that’s far less than what the telcos wanted but still enough to give them some breathing room. The NCC said they relied on data-driven recommendations from consultants like KPMG to ensure the hike balanced industry sustainability with consumer protection.

So, what’s next? Well, Nigerians will feel the pinch, no doubt, but the government insists it’s a necessary step to keep telecom services running smoothly. They’re also investing in infrastructure upgrades, rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks, building telecom towers in underserved areas, and protecting critical submarine cables.

In the coming months, it’ll be interesting to see how operators and consumers adapt to the new pricing. But for now, the government’s message is clear: it’s all about creating a stronger, more sustainable telecom sector for the future.