Nigerian students, tech firms set to benefit from Google’s N3bn AI initiative

Google, through its charitable branch Google.org, has pledged N3 billion to help Nigeria grow its digital skills and make the online environment safer.

The funds will support artificial intelligence (AI) training and cybersecurity initiatives through five Nigerian organizations: FATE Foundation, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and CyberSafe Foundation.

The program aims to build AI talent by introducing advanced AI programs in universities to equip students and lecturers with modern skills, while also organizing innovation challenges to turn learning into real-world AI solutions.

At the same time, it focuses on improving digital safety by expanding programs that teach young people safe online practices and helping public institutions strengthen cybersecurity to protect important data.

Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, said the partnership supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and will help the country create a skilled workforce to compete globally. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s goal of creating one million digital jobs and could unlock $15 billion from AI by 2030.

Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, said the investment empowers people with AI skills and ensures a safer digital environment.

This builds on Google’s previous efforts in Nigeria, including the 2023 Skills Sprint program, which trained over 20,000 participants and helped more than 3,500 find jobs or start businesses in tech.