The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a program to train 1,000 citizens of Nigeria each year in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other advanced
The vice president of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, announced the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative on Tuesday in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. This initiative is part of Nigeria’s plan to lead Africa in digital transformation.
To run the program, the government is collaborating with Gluwa, a private tech business. Shettima urged young Nigerians to support the program during its debut, stating that it is crucial for the country’s economic future.
Shettima stated that Nigeria is on track to surpass other nations in technological advancements with its present endeavours. He said: “We are not merely catching up with the rest of the world; we are poised to overtake them. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape our future.”
He referred to the event as “a homecoming ceremony for those who have eased our journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” noting Jigawa State’s trailblazing role in the adoption of digital technology.
Continuing, he underlined the larger goals of the federal government, saying: “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.”
The VP, praised the collaboration with Gluwa, saying it is in line with President Tinubu’s plan to transform Nigeria’s digital technology industry. Even as he praised Gluwa for enabling Aella Microfinance Bank to disburse over N100 billion to two million Nigerians, he acknowledged the company’s noteworthy influence.
The VP had this to say: “Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent.”
The governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, had earlier praised the effort and called it a unique chance that was right in front of the young people. He exhorted people to embrace the prospects presented by the digital world of ICT outsourcing, especially about the creation of jobs and chances to boost the country’s economy.
He gave an explanation of Jigawa’s past experiences with ICT education, saying: “The State is blessed with hundreds of thousands of ICT-savvy and qualified youths in various fields of information and communication technology. This is courtesy of our very reputable Informatics Institute established more than two decades ago.”
He went on to say that a new ICT & Digital Economy Agency would be established, adding that Jigawa’s status as a significant ICT hub in Nigeria will be restored by the State Government.
BrandSpur national and local news platform reports that the government has launched various programs to increase Nigeria’s capability in emerging technologies, and the latest one is to train 1,000 people there each year.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also announced earlier this month that it intends to set up research centres throughout the nation’s six geopolitical zones for modern technologies like blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, revealed this information while giving a keynote address at the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos. He stated that this is consistent with the agency’s aim of creating a strong ecosystem for technological development.
However, he went on to say that the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics are among the research areas that NITDA is focused on.
