FG launches free AI academy for Nigerian youths, civil servants

The Nigerian Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy aimed at positioning the country as a leader in the global digital economy.

The initiative was launched by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, in Abuja, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.

The online AI Academy is designed to be accessible at no cost, offering Nigerian students, youths, and civil servants an opportunity to enhance their skills in AI, a field that is revolutionizing industries and creating new economic opportunities.

Minister Nnaji emphasized the transformative nature of the program, calling on all Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to gain cutting-edge AI expertise.

Registration for the academy opens on December 19, 2024, and will close on January 30, 2025. The AI Academy will provide self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and real-world applications. Participants will also have the chance to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation, offering hands-on global experience.

The minister highlighted the significance of AI in nation-building, noting its potential to drive progress in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and security. By equipping Nigerians with these critical skills, the initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will shape the country’s technological future.

This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, to establish Nigeria as a leading force in AI development in Africa.

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has been instrumental in this vision, recently releasing the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and launching the country’s Large Language Model to improve AI development in underrepresented languages.