A University of Lagos student (UNILAG, Saheed Azeez has built a text-to-speech artificial intelligence (AI) model that can read text aloud in Nigerian accent. Azeez is the pioneer of Naija web, a data set of 230 million GPT based on Nairaland.
In a discussion, the tech enthusiast said he designed the AI tool using audio clips, subtitles of Nigerian movies, and huge mathematical concepts. More so, Azeez named the tool Yarngpt reflecting its foundation in Nigeria’s local language system.
The developer said the solution will accurately capture the nuances of the Nigerian accent which is technically challenging. Azeez disclosed the tedious development process of the new tool, citing hours of hard work.
According to him, he remained motivated by the success of Naijaweb, another viral innovation from the tech enthusiast. Similarly, Azeez said the zeal to advance his expertise in AI technology further inspired him.
He went on to describe how the project has various applications which include reading Indigenous Nigerian languages like Hausa Igbo and Yoruba. Furthermore, Azeez admitted that Nigeria is way behind with AI advancement, however, he emphasized that other Nigerian developers should focus on localizing artificial intelligence.
He decried how the focus on building AI solutions from scratch by Nigerian developers has stalled its adoption in the country.
Google grants Nigeria 2.8 billion naira AI advancement fund
Meanwhile, Nigeria is bracing up to catch up with the rest of the world in the artificial intelligence space.
Recently, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) received a 2.8 billion naira grant from Google.org to accelerate AI development in Nigeria.
According to the minister of communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, the support from Google will position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation and create opportunities for Nigerians.
He noted that the initiative will ensure that public policies are upgraded and professionalized through Artificial Intelligence(AI). Also, early this year, the ministry hosted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) workshop to drive economic growth.
