Ibadan, Feb. 23, 2026 (NAN) Experts in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) have called for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), stronger policy direction and curriculum reforms to drive technology development in Nigeria.
They made the call at the second symposium on HCI organised in Ibadan on Monday by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (4D ACM SIGCHI) in Nigeria.
The Head of Product Design at Mainstack, Mr Marvellous Akande, in his address, said while AI tools had made it easier and faster to build products, developers must remain focused on solving real societal problems.
Akande said that what previously required a team of engineers can now be achieved by an individual using AI tools, adding that now the responsibility lies in ensuring that such innovations address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“We must not lose sight of our responsibility. The goal is to build solutions that truly solve societal problems and improve lives, not create confusion or chaos,” he said.
Akande noted that though concerns existed globally about the misuse of AI, industry leaders and governments were already working on policies to mitigate associated risks.
He advised young Nigerians aspiring to venture into tech to be purpose-driven and identify specific areas such as engineering, design or quality assurance in order to make meaningful impact.
On global competitiveness, Akande said Nigerian youths were not disadvantaged, urging them to think beyond local ecosystems and engage with global trends and communities.
Also speaking, Dr Obidina Anya, a U.S.-based researcher at Google, described Nigeria’s HCI landscape as being at an early stage, noting that many universities were yet to establish dedicated HCI disciplines.
He called for standardised government policies to define Nigeria’s technology direction and empower young people to shape the future.
“There is a need to ask critical questions about the kind of future we want and how to empower our children to realise it,” he said.
Anya encouraged youths to see AI as a tool for empowerment rather than merely for social interaction, explaining that AI could enhance learning and productivity.
Dr Aderonke Sakpere, a Data scientist at the Faculty of Computing University of Ibadan explained that HCI, a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, psychology and design, focuses on developing user-centred technological solutions.
According to Sakpere, who is also one of the organisers, Nigeria must look inward and design products tailored to local communities, especially leveraging the widespread use of mobile phones.
She emphasised the need for responsible AI policies to ensure that technological innovations remain ethical and beneficial to society.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, represented by Prof. Olumuyiwa Omobowale, called for collaboration that would grow into fundamental projects and partnerships among participants.
“It is through such interdisciplinary and cross-sector dialogues that we will develop solutions that are both technologically sound and deeply human.
“To our students, the future of HCI in Africa rests significantly on your shoulders. Be inspired to build upon the ideas you may encounter here,” Adebowale said.(NAN)
