The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Bosun Tijani Foundation, has launched a six-month Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellowship Programme to equip aspiring Nigerian developers with globally relevant AI skills.
Announcing the programme on social media, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as a hands-on opportunity for young Nigerians to gain both theoretical and practical experience in AI. The initiative, tagged the Gen AI Fellowship, aims to groom a new generation of developers ready for global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
The programme offers intensive training, monthly stipends, and mentorship opportunities to all selected participants. Applications are currently open through the official portal which you can find here :https://msmeafricaonline.com/call-for-applications-ogun-state-gen-al-fellowship-programme-n50000-monthly-stipend/
Prospective applicants must first verify their National Identification Number (NIN) before proceeding to fill out a registration form with their personal and professional information.
The AI fellowship is part of a broader national push under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to upskill the youth and bridge the country’s digital divide. Since the start of the administration, the government has launched various targeted initiatives focused on digital literacy and workforce development, with AI training taking center stage.
Among these is a N120 billion youth skills acquisition programme, which funds registered organisations to train at least 60,000 youths within three months. Participants are provided with job-ready skills and starter packs to kick-start their careers.
Additionally, a free AI Academy was launched in December 2024 in partnership with Intel and the Commonwealth Secretariat. The self-paced programme offers training on AI fundamentals and tools, with pathways to internships and ambassador roles with Intel.
To deepen industry-focused digital skills, the government’s Digital Bridge Institute has partnered with U.S.-based SBTS Group to build Business Process Outsourcing hubs on DBI campuses, beginning in Enugu and Kano. This effort is supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which projects that over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Through these initiatives, Nigeria is positioning itself to become a key player in Africa’s AI ecosystem while empowering its youth with the tools needed to thrive in the digital economy.
