UNILAG Hosts Africa’s First OpenAI Academy, Marks Milestone in Artificial Intelligence Education

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and technology by hosting the first-ever OpenAI Academy in Africa.

The two-day event, tagged UNILAG–OpenAI Academy, was held on Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, 2025, as part of activities marking the 5th UNILAG International Week.

Bringing together about 120 participants comprising students, researchers, and professionals, the Academy was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), its ethics, and real-world applications. Hosting the Academy at UNILAG’s Akoka campus reaffirmed the University’s position as a pacesetter in Africa’s digital transformation and technological advancement.

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described artificial intelligence as a tool for innovation and progress, not replacement. She urged participants to see AI as a driver for creativity and problem-solving.

“AI is not something you use in terms of cut and paste. It’s supposed to ginger you and move you forward,” she said.

Professor Ogunsola noted that the collaboration between UNILAG and OpenAI reflects the institution’s vision to remain a catalyst for innovation in education. She emphasized that Africa must take control of its data and narratives, warning that “if others feed the system for us, we become slaves to their opinions.”

Encouraging participants to see challenges as opportunities, she added, “We are forged in problems, and that is where creativity and resilience are born. When we innovate for survival, we innovate effectively.”

The Academy featured intensive sessions led by Dr. Ebun-Oluwa Fasina, Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, and Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, covering Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, Responsible AI, and AI Ethics.

During an interactive session, the Director of the International Relations, Partnerships, and Prospects Office (IRPP), Professor Ismail Ibraheem, facilitated a dialogue between participants and a delegation of European Union Ambassadors led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria. The discussion reinforced UNILAG’s global partnerships and its drive for international collaboration in research and innovation.

The UNILAG–OpenAI partnership was initiated by a purpose-driven team from the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, led by Dr. Babatunde Sawyerr. Following a post-workshop reflection shared on LinkedIn, Dr. Sawyerr caught the attention of Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead, OpenAI Global Affairs. Subsequent discussions and engagements at international forums culminated in the launch of the first-ever OpenAI Academy in Africa at UNILAG.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of ChatGPT Go, a new subscription plan introduced by OpenAI to make AI tools more accessible to Africans. Announced jointly by Dr. Sawyerr and Emmanuel Lubanzadio, the plan offers expanded access to GPT-5 and other advanced ChatGPT features at a subsidized rate of ₦7,000 per month in Nigeria (approximately $4.5–$5, depending on exchange rates).

The plan, which had earlier debuted in India in August 2025, aims to democratize access to AI across Africa. Nigeria was selected as the first African country for its vibrant tech ecosystem, with UNILAG serving as the ideal launch platform.

ChatGPT 101: Learning from the Source

On the second day, Emmanuel Lubanzadio led a masterclass on using ChatGPT for research, writing, data analysis, and automation. He emphasized that AI should be used to enhance human capacity, not replace it.

Participants also received insights from Dr. Adetoun Akitoye, Best Ph.D. Thesis Awardee of UNILAG Class of 2024, who encouraged them to appreciate the rare opportunity of learning directly from OpenAI experts.

Other speakers, including Dr. Olayinka O. Adewumi, Acting Director, Innovation & Technology Management Office (ITMO); Dr. Chika Yinka Banjo, Acting Head, Department of Computer Science; and Dr. Matthew Waritay Guah, Professor of Management, South Carolina State University, shared insights on using AI responsibly, building human-centered innovations, and redefining global competitiveness.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Babatunde Sawyerr, speaking on behalf of the organising committee, expressed gratitude to Professor Folasade Ogunsola and OpenAI leadership for their vision and support. He described the collaboration as “a milestone in equipping students and faculty with 21st-century digital skills,” adding that UNILAG aims to be “a creator, an innovator, and a researcher driving Africa’s AI future.”

The UNILAG–OpenAI Academy closed on a high note, leaving participants inspired to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to shaping Africa’s role in the AI revolution.

As Professor Ogunsola aptly concluded:
“Hard is not a problem—it is what propels you to the top. Don’t believe your ideas don’t matter because they don’t fit the narrative. If you have an idea, work on it.”

The Academy stands today not just as a milestone, but as a movement—proof that when vision meets opportunity, Africa’s story of innovation begins to write itself in its own code.