The Federal Government has launched a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy aimed at equipping Nigerians with the skills necessary to thrive as digitalisation increasingly shapes industries and economies. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation, seeks to position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation across Africa.
At the launch event held in Abuja, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, highlighted that the academy is designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of AI and its practical applications. “The AI Academy is not just a training platform but a transformative opportunity for Nigerians—students, youths, and civil servants—to acquire critical skills in AI,” Nnaji stated. He encouraged Nigerians, particularly students, young professionals, and civil servants, to take full advantage of this opportunity to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and contribute to the nation’s growth.
The AI Academy offers a series of self-paced online courses covering a wide range of topics, including AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and real-world applications. Participants will also have the chance to explore advanced opportunities, such as internships with Intel Corporation and positions as AI ambassadors. Registration for the programme will be open from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025, via the Ministry’s official website.
Chief Nnaji emphasized the significance of AI in reshaping industries and creating new economic opportunities. “In a world where AI is solving complex problems and driving innovation, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace but leads the charge,” he said.
The Minister also underscored AI’s transformative potential in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and security. Integrating AI into these industries, he explained, would allow Nigeria to address its unique challenges with innovative solutions. The AI Academy aligns with other government initiatives, including the launch of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This policy framework is designed to maximize the benefits of AI while ensuring inclusivity and collaboration among stakeholders.
Since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the government has made significant strides in integrating AI into the country’s digital economy. Under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, initiatives like the Nigerian Large Language Model (LLM), which supports low-resource languages and accented English, have been introduced to ensure Nigeria remains at the forefront of AI innovation in Africa. “Our vision is to build a future where AI drives economic progress and solves complex societal problems,” Chief Nnaji concluded, reinforcing the government’s commitment to leveraging AI for national development.
