By There are great opportunities coming for 20,000 young Nigerians and 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.
The opportunities would be coming through Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE), which just secured a new support from Google to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria.
This support, which is provided through a N2.8billion grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, will bolster the Ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education. This grant is part of Google.org‘s broader $5.8million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, said: “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation. By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”
The N2.8billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programs, including: To provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field.
It is also expected to equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.
This initiative will also upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.
Earlier this year, the Ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians. This new support from Google.org will build on this strong foundation, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent.
Through this support, the Ministry, alongside Google, aims to build a sustainable AI ecosystem that will not only foster innovation but also drive economic and social impact across Nigeria.
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