As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how Nigerians work, create, and do business, much of the national conversation remains focused on Lagos and Abuja. From automated content creation to AI-powered marketing and software development, Nigeria’s digital economy is evolving rapidly. In Plateau State, however, the story is more layered—defined by curiosity, uneven access, and persistent scepticism.
Across Jos and neighbouring communities, young creatives, freelancers, and small business owners are engaging with artificial intelligence in different ways. For some, AI offers a gateway to global relevance. For others, poor infrastructure, limited awareness, and economic pressures continue to slow adoption.
For graphic designer Oladele Micheal Akande, AI adoption among creatives in Plateau is best described as cautious optimism. According to him, awareness is growing within tech-oriented circles, particularly among designers connected to innovation hubs and peer networks in Jos.
“The early adopters are mostly people connected to tech communities. They see AI as a way to compete globally, not just locally,” he said.
Akande noted that spaces linked to hubs such as nHub and informal networks around the Plateau State ICT Development Agency have helped young creatives experiment with AI-assisted workflows. However, he explained that resistance often comes from clients.
“Some local clients worry that AI-assisted work lacks soul or authenticity. There is still a belief that computer-generated means low effort,” he said, adding that creatives frequently have to educate clients that AI is a tool, not a shortcut.
Beyond perception, Akande identified infrastructure as a major barrier. He said stable electricity, affordable high-speed internet, and practical training—such as prompt-engineering workshops and ethical guidelines—are essential for meaningful adoption.By CHRISTIANA LOT Beyond perception, Akande identified infrastructure as a major barrier. He said stable electricity, affordable high-speed internet, and practical training—such as prompt-engineering workshops and ethical guidelines—are essential for meaningful adoption.
Among writers and content creators, AI is increasingly viewed as a support system rather than a substitute for human creativity. Patience Terkura, a Jos-based blogger and content writer, said she uses AI tools mainly to improve efficiency.
“I use AI for brainstorming ideas, structuring outlines, refining grammar, and generating headlines, but I always personalise the final output to reflect my voice and local context,” she said.
According to her, faster turnaround times have made it easier to manage multiple projects, though challenges remain. Unstable internet access and difficulty crafting effective prompts, she said, can slow productivity when deadlines are tight.
Still, Terkura believes AI poses more opportunity than threat. In her view, originality, lived experience, and cultural understanding remain irreplaceable—especially for storytelling rooted in local realities.
Not everyone in Plateau’s tech ecosystem believes AI must be central to every workflow. Jatau Praise Koopnan, a computer engineering graduate, said he prefers writing and debugging his own code.
“I enjoy writing my codes myself because it keeps my brain active,” he said, noting that while AI can be helpful, it is not essential for everyone.
On whether Plateau youths are being left behind, Koopnan offered a mixed assessment. He pointed to limited enlightenment about AI tools and a lack of motivation among some young people, many of whom use smartphones mainly for social media. At the same time, he noted that online resources make learning more accessible than ever.
“We are in a jet age. There is the internet, YouTube, and other platforms where anyone can learn at their comfort zone,” he said.
However, he added that many youths are drawn to manual labour, mining, and other short-term income activities, leaving little time for long-term digital skill development.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the gap appears even wider. Digital marketer Juliet James Ambang said many SMEs in Plateau are still struggling with basic digital marketing.
“Small businesses here are just coming to terms with social media marketing, talk more of AI-driven marketing,” she said.
Ambang, who manages brands across sectors including healthcare, non-profit, investment, and travel, said AI tools can significantly improve visibility and engagement when used correctly. However, she identified limited awareness and perception as major barriers.
“Many SMEs think certain types of content are reserved for specific businesses,” she said, adding that misunderstanding of AI’s role in growth has slowed adoption.
On youth participation, Ambang was more critical. She attributed the slow uptake of digital skills to what she described as a “quick-money syndrome,” reinforced by the rise of mining activities.
“There is little time or energy to learn, and very limited awareness of how AI can be used for financial empowerment,” she said.
Taken together, these perspectives show that Plateau State is neither fully excluded from Nigeria’s AI economy nor adequately positioned to benefit from it. While Jos is emerging as a modest talent pipeline in Northern Nigeria, access to infrastructure, training, and awareness remains uneven—particularly in rural communities such as Bokkos and Pankshin.
Whether Plateau youths and SMEs are left behind will depend less on artificial intelligence itself and more on decisions around access, education, and sustained digital empowerment.
