Poverty and Artificial Intelligence in Developing Nations: Yabatech Don Calls for Urgent Action

By DAYO ADESULU

Dr. Omobayo Raheem, a former Deputy Rector of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), has declared that poverty and artificial intelligence in developing nations remain a major barrier preventing developing countries from fully harnessing the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI).

He made this assertion while delivering the institution’s 17th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Capacitance of Artificial Intelligence: Communication, Framing and Learning in a Growing Economy,” at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium.

According to the Mass Communication expert, the inability to address widespread poverty has robbed many nations of the chance to integrate AI technologies into their economic and social systems.

“Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including penury and abject poverty, should be seen as the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth,” he emphasized.

AI Holds Enormous Potential for Growth and Innovation

Dr. Raheem noted that AI in developing economies can play a transformative role in shaping the future. From communication to education, AI has grown to become an essential component of human interaction.

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He explained that artificial intelligence is now embedded in daily life, shaping how people work, learn, and connect with technology. When properly deployed, AI can foster creativity, boost computational thinking, and support dynamic learning environments.

“AI is a powerful tool for intensifying communication and enhancing teaching when used with the right infrastructure and guidance,” he said.

He added that in an era of digitization and globalization, AI stands as a key driver for inclusive economic growth.

Understanding AI’s Role in Modern Society

Dr. Raheem defined AI as a branch of science focused on creating systems and machines capable of replicating tasks that normally require human intelligence. These include visual recognition, language translation, learning from data, and decision-making.

He described AI as the backbone of innovation in the modern digital economy. According to him, it powers everything from automation in factories to personalized recommendations in business systems, creating enormous value for organizations and individuals alike.

“AI enables systems to perform advanced functions—seeing, interpreting, analyzing data, making predictions—that unlock economic value at scale,” he added.

Challenges Beyond Poverty: Structural Barriers to AI Adoption

In addition to poverty, Dr. Raheem identified a range of other obstacles hindering the ability of developing nations to maximize AI’s potential. These include inadequate infrastructure, corruption, terrorism, insecurity, energy instability, and a lack of academic integrity.

He stressed that nations serious about economic transformation must address these challenges alongside poverty eradication. Without these foundational improvements, any investment in AI may fall short of achieving long-term development goals.

Media and Communication: Leveraging AI for Storytelling

Dr. Raheem also emphasized how AI tools can revolutionize journalism and communication. He encouraged media professionals to adopt AI-powered tools for story framing, content generation, and analysis.

By doing so, he argued, journalists can improve productivity and ensure clearer, more impactful messaging in a fast-paced digital world.

“AI tools should be used to enhance the effectiveness of storytelling and news reporting, not to replace the role of professional journalists,” he advised.

Yabatech Rector Applauds Contribution to National Development

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, who chaired the event, praised the lecture as a significant academic contribution. He commended Dr. Raheem for delivering a thought-provoking, well-researched presentation on a subject of growing global relevance.

“I congratulate Dr. Raheem for his brilliant lecture. He has made a worthy contribution to knowledge and fulfilled an important academic obligation,” the rector said.

As a symbolic gesture, the rector officially discharged Dr. Raheem from his academic debt to the college and presented him with a plaque of excellence as the institution’s 17th inaugural lecturer.

Dignitaries Attend Thought-Leading Lecture

The event attracted a host of prominent personalities, including the Aseyin of Iseyin land, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III; the Baale of Abule-Ijesha, Alhaji Haruna Alli Dawodu; and former Lagos State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Jimi Agbaje.

Their presence underscored the national significance of the theme, particularly as countries like Nigeria seek innovative ways to develop through technology.

Conclusion: The Urgency of Bridging the Gap

Dr. Raheem’s lecture brought into sharp focus the intricate relationship between poverty and artificial intelligence in developing nations. While AI offers immense promise, the lecturer made it clear that without eliminating poverty and fixing structural deficiencies, developing economies risk being left behind in the digital revolution.

The message was clear: AI is no longer a futuristic idea—it is today’s reality. For developing countries to benefit, they must act now to create an environment where AI can thrive.

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