In an ambitious drive to establish itself as a leader in the AI field, Nigeria plans to train 25,000 educators in artificial intelligence, who will, in turn, instruct 125,000 young people in emerging AI technologies. This initiative, funded by a ₦2.8 billion ($3.7 million) grant from Google to Data Science Nigeria, aligns with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s AI goals, aiming to upskill youth and bolster Nigeria’s role in the global AI ecosystem.
Empowering Educators and Youth in AI Skills
The initiative will support advanced data science and AI training for 20,000 young Nigerians through the ministry’s ongoing 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, which aims to equip Nigeria’s young workforce for AI-driven careers. With a median age of around 18, Nigeria’s youth demographic is crucial in driving AI adoption, as the technology is projected to add an estimated $15 billion to the country’s economy by 2030. Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani highlighted the need for a strong AI ecosystem, stating, “AI is already here. It gives us a unique opportunity to reimagine how we do things, but it’s not going to be possible for us to do it if we don’t build a strong ecosystem locally.”
Nigeria’s Draft National AI Strategy
The country’s draft National AI Strategy sets an ambitious goal to provide 70% of its young workforce (aged 16–35) with AI skills, aiming to reduce unemployment by five percentage points. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 5% in Q3 2023, with only 7.7% of jobs in the formal sector. By closing the AI knowledge gap, Nigeria hopes to increase formal employment and provide a skilled workforce for AI roles.
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Despite having over 260 universities, Nigerian institutions face challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of AI innovation. A GSMA report, AI for Africa: Use Cases Delivering Impact, noted that many universities lack financial resources to recruit professors with specialized AI expertise. As a result, students often receive limited hands-on experience and outdated course material, exacerbating the skills gap.
A Multi-Tiered Approach to Building an AI Workforce
Nigeria’s AI strategy acknowledges the need for a multi-tiered approach, including education for future talent, training for the current workforce, and attracting both local and international expertise. The country hopes to lay a foundation for AI education beginning in secondary schools, aiming for universities to adapt soon after. Highlighting this approach, Minister Tijani noted, “It is focused on young people in schools and teachers. It is our responsibility to ensure that the education we give to these young ones is the sort that will allow them to participate in the future of work.”
Addressing Challenges and Moving Forward
Nigeria faces considerable obstacles to its AI vision, including digital infrastructure limitations, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. In a statement, Hadiza Balarabe, Kaduna’s deputy governor, expressed optimism, emphasizing that “by equipping our people with AI skills, we are paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Nigeria.”
To help alleviate these challenges, the strategy includes a Cybercrime Research Centre and a Rapid Response Desk for cybercrime complaints, aiming to reduce risks associated with digital expansion. This reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a secure, AI-ready environment for businesses and the workforce.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s AI skilling initiative marks a significant step in its digital transformation. Through collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and support from Google, the country aims to build a robust AI-ready workforce. By addressing educational, infrastructural, and financial challenges, Nigeria aspires to secure a competitive position in the AI-driven global economy, unlocking opportunities for its youthful population and driving innovation.
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