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By Tracy Moses
The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has led a delegation of the Conference on a two-week advanced training programme on Metaverse Technology Cooperation and Development Mode for Belt and Road Countries in Shanghai, China.
The programme, facilitated by the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) Shanghai under the direction of its Executive Director, Mr. Wu Yugang, was designed to equip policymakers and senior administrators with deeper knowledge of innovations in metaverse technology and digital transformation.
For two weeks, participants engaged in intensive academic lectures and practical sessions covering topics such as Development Trends and Prospects in Metaverse Technology and Industry as well as Metaverse × AIGC: Generative AI Reshaping the Digital World. These sessions were delivered by leading Chinese professors and experts in technology.
The Nigerian delegation also embarked on study visits to major innovation and technology enterprises in Shanghai and Chengdu, including SPSpace, Dunyu (Shanghai) Internet Science and Technology Co. Ltd, Shanghai Kerui Exhibition Technology Co. Ltd, Gaoju (Shanghai) Low Altitude Industry Integration Base, Chengdu Huaxi Ecological Agriculture Technology Co. Ltd, MTANG China Culture Communication Co. Ltd, China Unicom (Chengdu) Limited, and Zhisheng Digital Technology Co. Ltd.
Beyond the classroom, the training featured cultural immersion activities. The team explored iconic landmarks such as the Bund, Yu Garden, and the Shanghai Huangpu River during a night cruise, as well as the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at Dujiangyan Base.
Speaking on the impact of the training, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin described the course as both timely and transformative, stressing that fast-evolving technologies like the metaverse and generative AI will significantly influence governance, education, communication, and public service delivery.
He noted that the knowledge acquired would inspire new approaches to digital policymaking within Nigeria’s state legislatures, adding that the programme has provided practical insights that can be adapted for national growth. Ogundoyin also lauded CIFAL Shanghai for its well-structured and impactful initiative.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation included Mr. Busari Sarafadeen, Director General of the Conference of Speakers, and Mrs. Taiwo Muraina Akinola, Clerk of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The delegation has since returned to Nigeria with renewed perspectives on metaverse adoption, digital innovation, and smart governance, insights expected to enhance legislative operations and public sector efficiency across the country.