Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been named by TIME magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential personalities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 2025.
Bosun was recognized alongside global technology leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman for contributing to the growth of AI and shaping its impact all over the world.
TIME’s editors and reporters researched potential candidates for many months, including seeking recommendations from industry leaders and expert sources.
The result is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who are working tirelessly to trigger a life-changing AI future.
Reacting, TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs wrote, “We launched this list in 2023, in the wake of OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT, the moment many became aware of AI’s potential to compete with and exceed the capabilities of humans. Our aim was to show how the direction AI travels will be determined not by machines but by people—innovators, advocates, artists, and everyone with a stake in the future of this technology…
As AI’s entry into our lives has quickened, so has the volume increased of voices warning about its developments. Those voices are recognized too in this year’s list, including Pope Leo XIV, researcher Yoshua Bengio, and French Minister Clara Chappaz. It also includes artists venturing to the frontiers of what is possible, and what happens when humans and AI work together, like Refik Anadol, who created this issue’s cover image.”
Actor Natasha Lyonne said, “I understand the spark that AI invokes in people. Life is scary. The fact of the matter is that it’s upon us. Best we dive in, I think.”
According to Dr. Bosun Tijani’s media office in Abuja, the recognition proves Nigeria’s increasing leadership in advancing AI across the globe.
Appreciating the support of partners such as Google and the Gates Foundation, the office reiterated that the country will keep aiding the scaling of mature AI solutions from local innovators.
The minister concluded by vowing to make sure AI continues to drive innovation that will guarantee a $1trillion economy as envisioned by President Tinubu.
“Dr. Tijani’s inclusion on the prestigious list reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing Artificial Intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development.
From the National AI Strategy (NAIS) — where the Ministry got over 120 experts of Nigerian descent to co-create the long term strategy for the responsible use and development of AI; to research and demonstration initiatives showing the potentials and practical use cases for AI in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
With the support of partners like Google, the Gates Foundation, and others, Nigeria is facilitating the scaling of mature AI solutions from local innovators — providing resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact.
This recognition from TIME further validates our belief that Nigeria can stand as a global leader in the responsible and inclusive deployment of AI for increased productivity.
As we continue on this journey, my commitment remains clear: to ensure AI not only drives innovation, but also contributes to building a $1trillion economy as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With this global recognition, Nigeria reinforces its commitment to leveraging AI to create opportunities for its citizens and contribute to the advancement of responsible technology worldwide,” it added.
