The Federal Government has launched a free AI Academy to equip Nigerians with crucial skills. On December 19, 2024, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, inaugurated the academy in Abuja. This online program, in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation, aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
Minister Nnaji strongly encouraged students, youths, and civil servants to register and participate. He emphasized that the academy is more than just a training platform. Instead, it offers a unique opportunity to learn AI fundamentals, ethics, and real-world applications. Registration is open until January 30, 2025. Interested individuals can sign up at scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy.
Furthermore, the academy will provide self-paced courses that are accessible to everyone. Additionally, it offers opportunities for participants to apply for AI ambassador roles and internships with Intel Corporation. These internships will provide hands-on experience, giving participants exposure to global AI practices.
Minister Nnaji also pointed out that AI is no longer a distant concept. In fact, AI is already transforming sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. Therefore, this initiative will create a pipeline of innovators who will drive Nigeria’s technological and economic progress. By gaining these AI skills, participants will not only prepare for jobs but also contribute to solving Nigeria’s challenges.
Moreover, this launch aligns with the government’s broader goal to make Nigeria a leader in AI across Africa. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has spearheaded efforts to increase AI adoption. The government has already released a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which is currently being reviewed by various agencies. This strategy will guide the country’s AI initiatives across all sectors.
In addition to this, the government has formed the AI Collective, bringing together stakeholders for research, collaborations, and hackathons. These efforts will further develop Nigeria’s AI ecosystem. Recently, the government also introduced a Large Language Model (LLM) that focuses on five low-resource languages and accented English. This project aims to enhance the representation of diverse languages in AI systems.
With these initiatives, Nigeria is positioning itself to lead the AI charge in Africa. The AI Academy is a key component of this strategy, preparing Nigerians to thrive in an AI-driven world. Ultimately, this program will help the country develop innovative solutions to its unique challenges, paving the way for future growth.