Photo: Business Lead, Data Science Nigeria; Dean and Professor of Information Systems, Lagos Business School; General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana; and Director, Government Affairs, Microsoft West Africa, at Microsoft’s media roundtable in Lagos.
Microsoft and the Federal Government have announced that over 350,000 Nigerians have now been trained in artificial intelligence skills under the AI National Skills Initiative, a programme designed to equip the workforce for a digital economy.
The milestone, unveiled at a Lagos press conference on Tuesday, underscores Nigeria’s efforts to cultivate talent capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
The initiative builds on a $1m investment announced by Microsoft in February to provide AI skilling for one million Nigerians, reaffirming the company’s commitment to developing the workforce of the future. The investment was introduced at the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, a global series that brings together business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to explore AI’s transformative potential.
General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Abideen Yusuf, said that AI is reshaping every sector and warned that countries that act swiftly on skills will be best positioned to benefit.
“Nigeria cannot afford to wait. We must equip people now, at scale and with intent,” he told reporters, stressing the importance of timely investment in human capital to seize the opportunities offered by AI.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School, aims to prepare individuals and organisations for the digital economy.
Since its launch, AINSI has delivered AI training to over four million Nigerians, with the second phase targeting 1 million citizens over three years.
Dean of Lagos Business School, Olayinka David-West, added, “AI skilling is no longer optional for Nigeria’s digital future; it is the foundation of our competitiveness. Equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is essential for driving inclusive growth, innovation, and national transformation.”
The initiative spans multiple stakeholder groups, including public sector leaders, developers, and everyday tech users.
The CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, said in a statement that 99 public sector leaders, including members of the National Assembly and senior executives from 58 ministries and agencies, received training in AI-powered reporting and sector-specific roadmaps. Developer-focused programmes trained over 1,600 participants in advanced skills such as machine learning, data science, and DevOps.
Additionally, Microsoft AI Skills Week engaged more than 235,000 participants through workshops, strategy sessions, and an Agentic AI hackathon, in partnership with VISA, TeKnowledge, UNICEF, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School.
The hackathon showcased innovative AI applications in document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, demonstrating the practical impact of AI skills in fintech and other sectors.
“True digital transformation happens when the government, educators, developers, and communities move forward together. By building capacity for evidence-driven governance and responsible innovation, we are laying the foundation for a globally competitive workforce.”
Looking ahead, Microsoft and the FG plan to continue expanding AI and cybersecurity training, strengthening developer pipelines, and broadening access to AI education to ensure Nigeria’s young population is prepared for the demands of the digital economy.
General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Abideen Yusuf, concluded: “Nigeria is on track to capture 43 per cent of Africa’s projected $136bn AI-driven productivity gains by 2030. By equipping leaders, developers, and tech users, we’re building a future-ready workforce and maximising the potential of AI across the nation.”
