The Federal Government, in collaboration with Microsoft, has disclosed that more than 350,000 Nigerians have been trained in artificial intelligence (AI) skills through the AI National Skills Initiative, a programme aimed at preparing the workforce for a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The milestone was announced yesterday at a media briefing in Lagos and highlights Nigeria’s growing focus on developing digital talent capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
The initiative builds on a $1 million investment announced by Microsoft in February to provide AI training for one million Nigerians.
The commitment was unveiled during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, part of a global series designed to bring together business leaders, technical professionals, and AI enthusiasts to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Abideen Yusuf, said AI is reshaping industries across the world and warned that countries that move quickly to build relevant skills will gain the greatest advantage.
He stressed that Nigeria must act decisively by investing in human capital at scale to fully harness AI-driven opportunities.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School, with a focus on equipping individuals and organisations for the demands of the digital economy.
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Since its launch, the AI National Skills Initiative has delivered AI training to over four million Nigerians, with the second phase targeting one million citizens over a three-year period.
Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David-West, noted that AI skills are now fundamental to Nigeria’s digital competitiveness.
She said equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is critical for driving inclusive growth, innovation, and national development.
The initiative targets a wide range of stakeholders, including public sector leaders, software developers, and everyday technology users.
According to the Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, 99 public sector leaders — including members of the National Assembly and senior executives from 58 ministries and agencies — have received training in AI-powered reporting and sector-specific planning.
Developer-focused programmes have also trained more than 1,600 participants in advanced areas such as machine learning, data science, and DevOps.
In addition, Microsoft AI Skills Week engaged over 235,000 participants through workshops, strategy sessions, and an Agentic AI hackathon conducted in partnership with organisations including VISA, TeKnowledge, UNICEF, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School.
The hackathon showcased AI solutions in areas such as document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, demonstrating AI’s practical applications across sectors like fintech.
Looking ahead, Microsoft and the Federal Government plan to expand AI and cybersecurity training, strengthen developer pipelines, and broaden access to AI education to ensure Nigeria’s young population is well prepared for the future of work.
Yusuf added that Nigeria is projected to capture 43 per cent of Africa’s estimated $136 billion in AI-driven productivity gains by 2030, noting that continued investment in skills development is key to building a future-ready workforce and maximising the country’s AI potential.
