NEWS
Nigerian-Born AI Scholar, Rita Orji, Appointed to Prestigious United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to Shape Global AI Governance
A Nigerian-born computer scientist has been appointed to one of the United Nations’ most important new technology bodies, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria and the global academic community.
Rita Orji, a professor at Dalhousie University in Canada, has been selected as one of 40 global experts to serve on the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. She will serve a three-year term.
The high-level panel was established by the United Nations General Assembly in August 2025 to provide independent scientific advice on artificial intelligence, including its development, risks, ethical use and global impact. The body will play a central role in guiding international conversations under the UN’s Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a platform aimed at shaping responsible and inclusive AI policies worldwide.
Announcing the initiative, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency and importance of independent expertise in navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
“In a world where AI is racing ahead, this Panel will provide what’s been missing, rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement announcing the initiative.
Born in Enugu State and raised in Owelli, Orji’s academic journey reflects resilience, brilliance, and a deep commitment to excellence. She studied computer science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, graduating with First Class Honours. She later earned a master’s degree from Middle East Technical University before completing her PhD at University of Saskatchewan in 2014.
Notably, she was the first woman from her hometown to obtain a doctorate, a historic achievement that continues to inspire young scholars, especially girls in STEM fields.
Today, Orji holds the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology at Dalhousie University and directs the university’s Persuasive Computing Lab. Her groundbreaking research centers on human-centred AI, designing technologies that promote health, well-being and social good, particularly for underserved populations.
Her work focuses not only on advancing artificial intelligence but ensuring that it remains ethical, inclusive and beneficial to humanity. Through her research, she has consistently championed the development of AI systems that prioritize equity and societal impact over mere technological advancement.
Dalhousie University praised her appointment, highlighting her long-standing advocacy for inclusive and equitable AI development.
“Rita is a powerhouse. We are continually impressed with her accomplishments and the incredible way she represents our Faculty and institution,” said Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Computer Science.
The 40-member UN panel was selected from more than 2,600 candidates worldwide, underscoring the competitiveness and prestige of the appointment. Designed to be geographically diverse and gender balanced, the panel’s mission is to provide impartial scientific assessments of AI’s opportunities and risks. Its work will help countries, including developing nations, navigate the fast-moving and often complex technology landscape.
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping finance, health care, education and national security across the globe. From automated decision-making systems to predictive analytics and generative AI tools, the technology’s influence is expanding at an unprecedented pace.
However, AI also raises significant concerns, including job displacement, algorithmic bias, misinformation, cybersecurity threats and data privacy challenges. As nations race to harness its benefits, there is growing recognition of the need for coordinated global oversight.
The UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence aims to ensure that global AI governance is informed by independent science rather than corporate or geopolitical interests. By bringing together leading experts like Rita Orji, the United Nations seeks to create a balanced framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding human rights and equity.
For Nigeria and the broader African continent, Orji’s appointment signals increased representation in shaping global technology policy ensuring that perspectives from developing regions are included in decisions that will define the future of artificial intelligence.