The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with Meta, has launched AI Academy Nigeria, a national capacity-building initiative to strengthen the country’s artificial intelligence talent pipeline and foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The programme is being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN). The initiative seeks to provide Nigerian developers, startups, students, and early-career professionals with practical AI skills, technical training, and pathways to build market-ready solutions.
According to the organisers, AI Academy Nigeria is structured around three key pillars: AI Skills Development, an AI Startup Pitchathon, and a six-week Developer Bootcamp. Together, these programmes are designed to help participants move beyond theoretical learning and develop real-world AI applications and businesses.
Under the AI Skills Development track, members of the 3MTT community across Nigeria will gain access to a range of courses covering generative AI, prompt engineering, data analytics, and application development using Meta’s AI technologies.
The courses will be delivered through leading learning platforms, including Coursera, DeepLearning.AI, and DataCamp, at no cost to participants. Top-performing learners will also be eligible for scholarships towards Meta Blueprint certifications and advertising credits to support their projects and businesses.
The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the 3MTT programme, which was launched to train millions of Nigerians in high-demand digital and technical skills as part of the country’s drive to build a globally competitive workforce.
A major feature of the academy is the AI Startup Pitchathon, which will provide a platform for early-stage startups leveraging Meta’s AI technologies to solve real-world challenges.
Following an open application process, 10 startups will be shortlisted to pitch their innovations during GITEX Nigeria. Two winning startups will each receive $5,000 in funding, along with $2,000 in Meta advertising credits. Winners will also earn the opportunity to represent Nigeria at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, later this year.
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Industry stakeholders believe the competition could help accelerate the growth of AI-focused startups by connecting founders with funding, mentorship, and international exposure.
The third component of the programme is a six-week Developer Bootcamp to be delivered by RAIN. Selected participants will receive intensive hands-on training focused on building functional AI products and market-ready solutions.
The bootcamp will provide technical guidance, mentorship, and access to Meta’s network of AI experts, enabling participants to gain practical experience in developing AI-driven technologies.
Speaking on the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to building a thriving AI ecosystem through collaboration with the private sector.
“Through this partnership, we are equipping developers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with practical AI skills while creating pathways for innovation and globally competitive startups,” Tijani said.
He added that the programme supports Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading force in Africa’s digital economy through strategic investment in technology talent.
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, emphasised the need to expand access to training and resources for innovators across the country.
“Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most dynamic AI talent,” Dada said, adding that many founders and developers need greater access to practical training, funding, and platforms to build impactful solutions.
She noted that AI Academy Nigeria was created to equip more Nigerians with the skills needed to build with AI and to provide promising innovators with opportunities to showcase their solutions on regional and global stages.
Meanwhile, Founder and CEO of RAIN, Dr Olushola Ayoola, described the initiative as an example of how coordinated efforts between government, technology companies, and local innovation organisations can accelerate AI development in Nigeria.
“Building Nigeria’s AI capacity requires the kind of coordinated effort we are seeing here,” Ayoola said.
The launch of AI Academy Nigeria comes amid growing efforts by both government and private-sector stakeholders to position the country as a leading hub for artificial intelligence innovation in Africa. The programme is expected to deepen technical capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for young Nigerians in the rapidly evolving global AI economy.
With a combination of skills training, startup support, mentorship, and international exposure, AI Academy Nigeria represents one of the most significant recent collaborations aimed at preparing Nigeria’s next generation of AI professionals and innovators.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.