By George Ozalla
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has pledged to partner with Bildup AI Learning to advance technology innovation and human capital development in Nigeria, according to a press statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker. Kalu made the commitment on Saturday during a visit to the Bildup AI Learning Centre in Enugu, where several youths are undergoing training in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies while he was on the sidelines of the House Committee on Review retreat.
He said investment in the nation’s human capital is essential and stressed Nigeria’s potential to export services globally, noting the country’s large population and growing talent pool as assets that could generate foreign exchange if properly harnessed. Kalu assured that his office would work to showcase Bildup AI’s work and attract support from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology and other stakeholders, adding that the partnership was driven by development goals rather than politics.
“We are going to make a case for you in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Office of the Deputy Speaker will partner with you to showcase you. It’s nothing about politics. It’s about development. Our human capital development is very key,” he said, urging the trainees to keep innovating and describing them as disruptors capable of challenging the status quo to accelerate national progress. He also proposed integrating AI learning into constituency projects so more students can access the platform locally.
Bildup AI Chief Executive Officer Chibuike Aguene told the delegation the platform is an indigenous AI application that teaches and interacts with students like a human tutor, delivering personalized lessons and career mentorship and helping to address teacher-to-student ratio challenges. He said partner schools have reported major efficiency gains and improved outcomes, and that the platform also provides a marketplace to showcase talent to local and global employers.
The visit formed part of Kalu’s stated drive to promote digital education and youth empowerment in line with the federal government’s human capital and innovation agenda. Bildup AI is an Enugu-based technology start-up focused on AI-driven educational tools and skills development; the Office of the Deputy Speaker represents the leadership of the House of Representatives and supports constituency and national initiatives that promote education, innovation and economic growth.
