Nigeria Announces Initiative to Train 1,000 Nigerians Annually on AI, Blockchain, and Other Technologies

Nigeria has announced a government-led initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians annually on various cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain, as it prepares to overtake other world economies.

Initiative Overview

The AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative was inaugurated on July 23 by Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, in the city of Jigawa as part of Nigeria’s strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa.

According to Shettima, the initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape their future.

Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

Nigeria’s government has partnered with a tech company, Gluwa, to train 1,000 Nigerians annually in AI, blockchain, and other technologies.

In addition, the country’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced a financial grant of 150,000 Nigerian nairas ($90) to micro, small, and medium enterprises to further incentivize the development of a home-grown fintech ecosystem.

Preparation for World Dominance

The new initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians every year is one of the many efforts Nigeria has undertaken in recent years to expedite development.

Shettima emphasized that the initiative is part of a larger plan to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come.

Establishment of Research Centers

Earlier in July, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Nigeria unveiled plans to establish research centers focused on emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized the agency’s commitment to developing a strong technology research ecosystem.

The planned research centers will target critical areas, including IoT, blockchain technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, additive manufacturing, AI, and robotics.

Inuwa stated that the agency is establishing a special-purpose vehicle that will look into these key areas and also establish research centers across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria that will be targeting these six key areas of emerging technologies.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians annually on AI, blockchain, and other technologies is a significant step towards the country’s digital transformation and preparation for world dominance.

The establishment of research centers and the partnership with Gluwa are further examples of Nigeria’s commitment to developing its technology sector and creating a strong ecosystem for innovation.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of Nigeria’s AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative? The initiative aims to train 1,000 Nigerians annually in AI, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies to prepare the country for world dominance.
• Who is leading the initiative? Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, inaugurated the initiative on July 23 in the city of Jigawa.
• What is the financial grant provided by the government? The country’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced a financial grant of 150,000 Nigerian nairas ($90) to micro, small, and medium enterprises to further incentivize the development of a home-grown fintech ecosystem.
• What are the research areas focused on by NITDA? NITDA is establishing research centers focused on emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain across the country’s six geopolitical zones.