The News: Nigeria Launches New Programme to Empower Citizens with AI and Blockchain Skills

Federal Government of Nigeria Collaborates with Gluwa to Implement Initiative

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new programme as part of its digital transformation strategy, aimed at empowering 1,000 citizens annually with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other technologies.

Programme Details

• The government will collaborate with Gluwa, a private tech company, to implement the programme.
• The partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to revolutionise Nigeria’s digital technology space.
• The programme will be implemented at the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative event in Dutse, Jigawa State’s capital, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

During the event, Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated that Nigeria plans to use the programme to do more than play catch-up with the rest of the world, with the goal of overtaking other countries globally in technology.

Challenges and Opportunities

While training 1,000 individuals in advanced tech skills is a positive step for Nigeria, it’s unlikely to be sufficient on its own to overtake global tech leaders like the United States and China, who invest billions annually in research and development and have vast tech workforces.

However, Shettima assured that the new initiative would offer its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce and contribute to driving innovation that would shape the country’s future.

Broader Vision

Outlining the federal government’s broader vision, Shettima said, “We are adopting this initiative across the nation to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come.”

“Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent,” Shettima concluded.

Additional Initiatives

This latest initiative is one of the many programmes by the Tinubu-led government to build the nation’s capacity in emerging technologies.

In 2023, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), unveiled a plan to equip three million Nigerians with tech skills by 2027.

As the government commenced training for the 270,000 fellows selected for the second phase of the programme in May 2024, expectations are high among Nigerians.

Also, earlier in July 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to set up research centres for emerging technologies, including AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Last week, the Vice President unveiled the Federal Government strategy to drive Africa’s digital trade revolution under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework.

These initiatives further underscore the government’s commitment to develop advanced technological capabilities in the country.

Conclusion

The launch of this new programme is a significant step towards Nigeria’s digital transformation and its ambition to become a global leader in technology. While there are challenges to be overcome, the initiative has the potential to empower citizens and drive innovation in the country.

FAQs

• What is the goal of the new programme? The goal is to empower 1,000 citizens annually with skills in AI, blockchain, and other technologies.
• Who is collaborating with the government on the programme? Gluwa, a private tech company, is collaborating with the government to implement the programme.
• What is the broader vision of the government? The government aims to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come and transform the country into a premier destination for technology outsourcing.
• What other initiatives is the government undertaking? The government is undertaking several initiatives, including a plan to equip three million Nigerians with tech skills by 2027 and the establishment of research centres for emerging technologies across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.