Nigerian University Conference Spotlights AI Creation and Cybersecurity Innovation in Africa

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Nigeria recently hosted its first International Conference on Emerging Computing Applications and Technologies, themed 'From Artificial Intelligence Consumers to Creators: Preparing African Universities for the Global Intelligence Economy.' This event underscored the growing emphasis on fostering AI development and local innovation within African academic institutions and industries.

A key highlight of the conference was the recognition of FUTA alumnus Azeez Razaq Adewale, a cybersecurity entrepreneur. Adewale, who founded Hexaguard Limited, received an award for his significant contributions to computing. His company, with offices in Lagos and Gothenburg, Sweden, also partnered with the conference, signaling a strong collaboration between Nigerian academia and homegrown tech firms.

Hexaguard Limited's products demonstrate a commitment to addressing critical African challenges. Its flagship, CybaPulse, is a compliance and risk management platform tailored for African and emerging markets, offering an affordable alternative to costly enterprise tools. Another product, Veriphye, is an AI-powered device verification platform specifically designed to combat mobile device theft and fraud in West Africa, highlighting the practical application of AI to local problems.

Adewale's journey from an agricultural technology background to leading an international cybersecurity firm illustrates a deliberate pivot towards technology and a global perspective, while remaining rooted in solving African issues. His involvement in setting global cybersecurity standards further emphasizes the caliber of African talent. The conference and Adewale's work collectively advocate for building robust technology products on the continent, for the continent, to international standards, positioning Africa as a creator, not just a consumer, in the global intelligence economy.