Yobe Embraces Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Governance and Research
By Abdulmumini Gulani
In a visionary step towards modernising governance and academic practice, the Yobe State Government has taken the lead in training both civil servants and academic professionals in the transformative application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The initiative, anchored by the Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) of Yobe State University in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Science, Research and Innovation to Mai Mala Buni, demonstrates the government’s bold commitment to future-proofing its public institutions and equipping its workforce with 21st-century digital competencies.
Now in its third year, the AI workshop forms part of BioRTC’s flagship International Summer School, which has become a nationally recognised platform for cutting-edge training in digital innovation, biomedical research and emerging technologies.
As part of the 5th BioRTC International Summer School, the AI workshop unfolded in two distinct but interconnected streams.
Day One focused on senior public sector leaders, bringing together permanent secretaries, directors and heads of agencies from Yobe to explore how AI can enhance public service delivery, automate workflows and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
Days Two and Three targeted the academic community, including lecturers, researchers and professionals from tertiary institutions across Yobe and Nigeria.
The sessions offered hands-on training in natural language processing, machine learning for research, AI ethics and digital tools for higher education. Participants engaged in practical modules designed to strengthen teaching, research output and institutional innovation.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Mai Mala Buni, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to innovation, digital transformation and science-led development.
He emphasised the need to empower both the civil service and academia as twin pillars for achieving inclusive and technology-driven progress.
The AI workshops were led by a globally recognised expert, UK-based Dr Ali Bukar Maina, who brings over a decade of experience in AI across industry, academia and public policy.
Participants across all sectors praised the visionary leadership of the Yobe State Government and the foresight of BioRTC in delivering such a comprehensive, multidisciplinary programme.
They also commended the efforts of BioRTC Founder and Director, Dr Mahmoud Bukar Maina, whose leadership continues to place Yobe on the map as a centre of scientific excellence and innovation.
“At the end of the day, it won’t be about humans versus AI, but rather humans who embrace AI and those who do not — and we already know who the losers will be,
“This is why we at BioRTC are committed to ensuring that our institutions — from government offices to research labs — are empowered to lead, not lag, in this new technological era,”said Dr Maina.
By engaging both public administrators and academic professionals, this initiative sets a new benchmark for subnational capacity building in Africa. It not only equips decision-makers with the tools to govern smarter but also empowers educators and scientists to research, teach and innovate with AI.
As Yobe positions itself at the frontier of digital governance and knowledge production, this AI initiative exemplifies the power of government-academic collaboration in shaping a technologically enabled, inclusive and development-oriented future. 
