-- Says its testament to his promoting Fourth Industrial Revolution
Ex-Defence Minister Tokunbo Kayode has praised the African Union's (AU) appointment of Professor Isa Ali Pantami as Co-Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC).
Pantami, the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, will play a pivotal role in crafting the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy and Strategy for Africa, alongside Professor Anicia Nicola Peter from Namibia.
Kayode described Pantami's appointment as well-deserved, citing his expertise in promoting the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He highlighted Pantami's notable contributions, including establishing the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and creating Nigeria's first Digital Economy Policy.
The council consists of renowned experts, including Professor Khaleed Ghedira from Tunisia and Professor Maha Grima from Morocco. Kayode congratulated Pantami, acknowledging his committed expertise and seminal work in laying down policies and implementation plans for Nigeria's digital space development.
Pantami's four-year tenure as Minister saw the digital economy space grow from scratch, with solid foundations laid for policies on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data protection. Kayode credited Pantami as a brilliant professional and one of the fathers of Nigeria's Digital Economy.
With this appointment, Pantami is expected to significantly influence Africa's 4IR Policy and Strategy, impacting all 54 countries on the continent.
