Nigeria is making significant strides to position itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) education and workforce development. As the country embraces the potential of AI to transform its economy and society, a concerted effort is underway to bridge the skills gap and prepare Nigerians for the jobs of the future.
Current State of AI Education in Nigeria
The Nigerian government has recognised the importance of AI in shaping the future of education and the workforce. In January 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education commemorated the International Day of Education with the theme “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation”. This event highlighted the transformative role of AI in education and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to integrating AI and digital technologies to improve Nigeria’s education sector.
Several key initiatives have been implemented to enhance AI education:
1. Integrated platforms providing comprehensive data on tertiary institutions and admissions nationwide
2. Innovative e-learning solutions such as Inspire for Students and Ignite for Teachers, which create virtual classrooms and simplify lesson planning
3. The Nigeria Learning Passport, offering over 15,000 educational resources
4. The Tertiary Information System, revolutionising undergraduate data management
However, challenges remain. In conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, over 10 million children are out of school, and the concept of AI-driven education is virtually non-existent. The digital divide and lack of infrastructure in rural areas continue to hinder the full implementation of AI-driven education
Successful Training Programmes and Partnerships
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has seen the emergence of successful training programmes and partnerships between academia and industry:
1. Microsoft AI Skilling Initiative: Microsoft has announced a $1 million investment to provide AI skilling for 1 million Nigerians by 2026. This initiative, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, aims to support various skilling programmes, including digital, AI, and cybersecurity skills training for youth and women.
2. 3MTT Platform: Microsoft’s partnership with the Nigerian government has led to the upskilling of four million Nigerians through the 3MTT platform
3. Nigeria Women Techsters: A collaboration between Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation has successfully implemented programmes focusing on AI, preparing participants for success in the digital economy.
4. MTN Foundation Partnership: Microsoft has partnered with MTN Foundation to train SMEs on digital, productivity, and cloud skills using the Microsoft Community Training platform and LinkedIn Learning pathways.
5. Inaugural AI Awareness Day: On 17 February 2025, Nigeria held its first AI Awareness Day in Higher Education, bringing together 306 participants from various educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to explore AI’s potential in higher education.
Strategies for Upskilling the Workforce
To further bridge the AI skills gap and prepare the Nigerian workforce for the future, the following strategies are proposed:
1. Expand AI-focused higher education: The establishment of Wini University, Nigeria’s first AI-focused university in Lagos State, sets a precedent for specialised AI education.. This institution aims to transform Lagos into a hub for innovation and equip young Nigerians with advanced AI knowledge.
2. Integrate AI into existing curricula: Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education should incorporate AI courses into their existing programmes to ensure all graduates have a basic understanding of AI technologies.
3. Develop industry-academia partnerships: Encourage collaboration between educational institutions and tech companies to create internship programmes, mentorship opportunities, and practical training experiences for students.
4. Invest in infrastructure: The government and private sector should prioritise investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure equitable access to AI education and resources.
5. Continuous professional development: Implement ongoing training programmes for educators to keep them updated on the latest AI technologies and teaching methodologies.
6. Support AI startups: Building on the government’s collaboration with Google to support Nigerian startups integrating AI into their products create more initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the AI sector.
7. Develop a national AI strategy: Finalise and implement the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy draft to provide a comprehensive framework for AI development and education in Nigeria
Challenges and Opportunities
While Nigeria is making significant progress in AI education, several challenges remain:
1. Digital divide: Addressing the gap in access to technology and internet connectivity between urban and rural areas.
2. Funding: Securing adequate funding for AI education initiatives and infrastructure development.
3. Ethical considerations: Ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies in education and the workforce.
4. Brain drain: Retaining skilled AI professionals within Nigeria to contribute to the country’s technological advancement.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities for Nigeria in the AI sector are immense. The country’s AI market is projected to grow by 27.08% annually from 2025 to 2030, with AI potentially adding an estimated $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.
Conclusion
Nigeria stands at the cusp of a technological revolution, with AI poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future. By investing in AI education, fostering partnerships between academia and industry, and implementing comprehensive strategies for workforce upskilling, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in AI innovation and development in Africa.
As the country continues to bridge the AI skills gap, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of AI-driven education and workforce development reach all segments of society, including marginalised communities. With continued commitment from the government, educational institutions, and private sector partners, Nigeria can create a future-ready workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth in the AI era.
