The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has recently revealed a generous $1.7 million (NGN2.8 billion) grant from Google. This grant is specifically earmarked to enhance the development of artificial intelligence (AI) talents in the country. The initiative will complement Google.org’s broader commitment of $5.8 million towards digital skills programs throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
The grant will be instrumental in supporting Data Science Nigeria, a prominent organization, in its efforts to train a whopping 20,000 young individuals in data science and AI. Additionally, the grant will also benefit 25,000 educators by equipping them with the necessary skills to teach AI effectively. Moreover, policymakers will also benefit from the grant as they will receive training in AI policy.
With projections indicating a significant growth in Nigeria’s AI market, the new grant has set its sights on positioning Nigeria as a frontrunner in AI innovation. This strategic investment aims to propel the country towards becoming a hub for groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence.
