FMCIDE Minister, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani Named 2026 Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Champion
By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas and Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, has been recognised among the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions by the Gates Foundation, joining a distinguished group of global leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose work is helping shape a more equitable future through technology and innovation.
This is according to a press statement e-signed by Isime Esene of the Office of the FMCIDE Minister.
Per the statement, the recognition celebrates Dr. Tijani’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation and his leadership in advancing an inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem across Africa.
The official announcement by the Gates Foundation describes the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions as leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers whose work and influence are helping shape a future where Artificial Intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality.
The Foundation highlights the Minister’s role in driving rapid digital transformation and advancing efforts to ensure that Africa builds domestic AI capabilities rather than relying solely on technologies designed elsewhere.
The recognition ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2026, in New York, USA on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).
Since assuming office, Dr. Tijani has championed initiatives focused on expanding digital infrastructure, developing Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline, strengthening digital skills and positioning AI as a tool for inclusive economic growth and national development.
Under his leadership, the Ministry developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) to provide a coordinated national framework for AI development, and established the AI Research Fund to support home-grown research and innovation. He has also driven the development of N-ATLAS, an indigenous Large Language Model built to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts, and the creation of the National AI Trust to advance the safe, ethical and responsible deployment of the technology. Through these efforts, Dr. Tijani has emerged as a leading advocate for responsible AI across Africa, championing a future in which the continent shapes, rather than merely adopts, the technologies defining its development.
These initiatives have strengthened Nigeria’s global standing in AI, with the country recording a marked improvement in its position on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index. In recognition of his contributions to the field, the FMCIDE Minister was named among the TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025, further affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in the global AI landscape.
Tijani joins other distinguished 2026 Goalkeepers Champions from across the world whose work spans technology, education, agriculture, policy, and culture.
Since assuming office, Dr. Tijani has championed initiatives focused on expanding digital infrastructure, developing Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline, strengthening digital skills and positioning AI as a tool for inclusive economic growth and national development.
Under his leadership, the Ministry developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) to provide a coordinated national framework for AI development, and established the AI Research Fund to support home-grown research and innovation. He has also driven the development of N-ATLAS, an indigenous Large Language Model built to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts, and the creation of the National AI Trust to advance the safe, ethical and responsible deployment of the technology. Through these efforts, Tijani has emerged as a leading advocate for responsible AI across Africa, championing a future in which the continent shapes, rather than merely adopts, the technologies defining its development.
These initiatives have strengthened Nigeria’s global standing in AI, with the country recording a marked improvement in its position on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index. In recognition of his contributions to the field, the Honourable Minister was named among the TIME 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025, further affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in the global AI landscape.
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