The Federal Government has launched a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The initiative, inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, is in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.
Chief Nnaji emphasized the transformative potential of the AI Academy, describing it as an opportunity for Nigerians—particularly students, youths, and civil servants—to gain critical skills in AI and redefine the nation’s future. Registration for the program opens on December 19, 2024, and closes on January 30, 2025. Interested participants can register here .
The academy offers more than just training, including opportunities to compete for AI ambassadorial roles, internships with Intel, and hands-on global experience.
According to the Minister, AI is no longer a distant concept but a tool that can drive progress in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and security. By equipping Nigerians with AI skills, the government aims to prepare individuals for jobs while fostering a pipeline of innovators and leaders who will shape the country’s technological and economic destiny.
This initiative aligns with the administration’s broader focus on Artificial Intelligence, spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. Efforts include the development of a National AI Strategy, the launch of a Large Language Model trained in low-resource languages and accented English, and collaborations through the AI Collective to advance inclusive AI projects.
Participants in the AI Academy will have access to self-paced courses covering AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and practical applications. Chief Nnaji noted that the program is designed to prepare Nigerians not just for employment but to create innovative solutions to the country’s unique challenges.
