Nigerian Professor Chosen Out Of 2,600 World Wide Candidates For UN Panel On AI

A Nigerian-born computer scientist has been appointed to one of the United Nations’ most important new technology bodies.

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 panel was created by the UN General Assembly in August 2025 to provide independent scientific advice on artificial intelligence – including its development, risks, ethical use and global impact. It will guide international discussions under the UN’s Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

“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 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. She was the first woman from her hometown to obtain a doctorate.

Today, she holds the Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology at Dalhousie and directs the university’s Persuasive Computing Lab. Her research focuses on human-centred AI — designing technologies that promote health, well-being and social good, particularly for underserved populations.

Dalhousie praised her appointment, highlighting her long-standing advocacy for inclusive and equitable AI development. “Rita is a powerhouse,” said Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Computer Science. “We are continually impressed with her accomplishments and the incredible way she represents our Faculty and institution.”

The 40-member UN panel was chosen from more than 2,600 candidates worldwide and is designed to be geographically diverse and gender balanced. Its mission is to provide impartial scientific assessments of AI’s opportunities and risks, helping countries — including developing nations — navigate the fast-moving technology landscape.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping finance, health care, education and national security. But it also raises concerns about job displacement, bias, misinformation and data privacy. The UN panel aims to ensure that global AI governance is informed by independent science rather than corporate or geopolitical interests.