FG unveils free AI Academy for Nigerian youths, civil servants 

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the AI Academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme is set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation.

While emphasising that the online programme is free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation.

According to the Minister, registration for the free AI Academy opens from Thursday, December 19, 2024, and it is expected to close by January 30, 2025.

“I encourage you to visit our website at https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and seize this chance to acquire cutting-edge AI skills. 

“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. 

“In a world where AI is reshaping industries, solving complex problems and creating new economic frontiers, it is imperative that Nigeria not only keeps pace, but leads the charge,” the  Minister stated.

The Minister said that the programme would provide participants with access to self-paced courses on AI fundamentals, ethics, tools and real-world applications.

“By equipping Nigerians with these skills, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs but creating a pipeline of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who will shape Nigeria’s technological and economic destiny. 

“Most importantly, AI will go a long way to help us develop innovative solutions for the unique challenges we face as a nation,” he said.

Since the beginning of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, there has been a lot of focus on AI spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

According to the Minister, all the efforts are geared towards positioning Nigeria as AI leader in Africa and ensuring that the country does not miss the benefits of the global AI revolution.

To that effect, the Communications Ministry recently released the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy document, which is currently being reviewed by MDAs. It will be adopted as a national policy to guide all government efforts in Al.