The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh, one of the special guest of honour is scheduled to speak at the AI & BIV Commercialization Summit 2026, scheduled for April 21–22, 2026, at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.
The Minister is set to build a science-driven economy anchored on innovation and technological transformation.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Minister stated that repositioning Nigeria as a value-driven, innovation-led economy is a non-negotiable priority.
Fresh from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Minister Udeh is moving from global policy dialogue to domestic institutional action, marking a strategic shift in his leadership, directly applying his philosophy that “ _science must move from the laboratory to the marketplace.”_ Addressing the core challenge of the sector, the Minister noted “Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources, but the lack of synergy within the AI ecosystem has limited our ability to convert research into commercial value.”
As Nigeria’s chief policy architect, Dr. Udeh’s participation signals a critical alignment between federal innovation priorities and university-level venture ecosystems.
Under the theme, " _Building Africa’s Venture Architecture_ ," his anchoring of the BIV framework represents a practical roadmap to create that missing synergy, ensuring that Nigerian research results in tangible benefits for the daily lives of its citizens. “ _We understand that if we would rise to be one of the leading nations of the world, we have to take innovation science and technology seriously. It would energize Nigerians, particularly our youth, to find and express their skills, their knowledge, their acumen in the area of innovation science and technology_ ,” Udeh stated. The Minister used the occasion to issue a broad invitation to students, academics, and policymakers to join this collective journey of transformation, noting that participants stand to benefit from expanded professional networks and exposure to technology founders and global AI researchers who are making waves in their various fields.
He specifically urged Nigerians to remain relevant by prioritizing personal development, stating that digital skills and critical thinking are no longer optional but essential for success in today’s world.
He emphasized that for Nigerian youths to lead, they must be at the forefront of this technological shift, mastering the tools of the future to drive national progress. In a powerful call for ethical advancement, the Minister further noted that “ _AI is reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace, but innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind_ .” He added that if Nigeria does not shape the dynamics of AI, it will become a passive consumer, noting that the speed of AI-driven change requires the nation to be an active participant in creation and governance. In his remarks, the Minister commended the organizing team and the leadership of Babcock University for their foresight in creating the BIV framework, acknowledging it as a vital model for institutional progress and the synchronization of national goals with academic execution.
This is expected to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s technological journey as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in daily life. Dr. Udeh, who maintains that “ _this is not just a conference; it’s a catalyst for shaping Africa’s digital future_ ,” will deliver a national policy address situating the Federal Government’s innovation strategy within university-driven commercialization and will oversee the signing of strategic industry MOUs. This engagement serves as a primary launchpad for the “ _Energise Commercialisation_ ” initiative, following the success of previous federal breakthroughs in biotechnology and agro-processing. By integrating the BIV framework with federal priorities, the Minister is creating a sustainable pipeline for high-tech job creation, particularly for the youth who he identifies as the entrepreneurs and innovators of the future.
As Udeh has reaffirmed that trust in science is built when people see results, his role at this summit is to provide the regulatory lens necessary for institutional execution. Stakeholders, venture capitalists, and industry titans will watch closely as the Minister leverages the 600-seater BUTH auditorium to prove that Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are the central pillars for Nigeria’s economic diversification, industrialization, and the attainment of the $1 trillion national economy goal. As Udeh settles in, stakeholders anticipate groundbreaking policies and initiatives that will redefine Nigeria’s role in the global innovation ecosystem.Attendance is free for students, academics, and industry stakeholders, with registration available via the official portal at www.babcockinnovation.com/events
