The National Gallery of Art (NGA) has launched a major AI-enhanced training initiative to equip 50,000 young Nigerians with the skills to integrate art and artificial intelligence (AI) into visual creative practice. The programme announced in Abuja at the unveiling of the National Creatives AI Media Toolkit reflects a growing focus on developing Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors.
The initiative, led by NGA’s Director-General Dr Ahmed Sodangi, was unveiled at the SGF Innovative Hub, Mabushi, as a collaborative effort with AIDOS Studios, a subsidiary of the Social Good Fund. Its stated aim is to provide aspiring and practising visual artists with hands-on training in AI tools, helping them to enhance creative expression and remain competitive in a global digital arts ecosystem.
Dr Sodangi described the programme as a deliberate step towards positioning the Nigerian creative industry as globally competitive, noting that partnerships between government and private sector players are essential for sustained growth. He emphasised that the initiative seeks not only to build technical capacity but also to improve access to finance and support structures for creative projects, a longstanding challenge for emerging artists.
The National Creatives AI Media Toolkit is designed to bridge the gap between traditional artistic skills and the possibilities of AI, enabling participants to tell their stories with greater clarity, preserve cultural voices, and engage audiences more effectively. By integrating AI into the creative process, organisers hope to help young artists build sustainable creative careers in an era where technology increasingly shapes cultural production.
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Pamela Williams, Chief Executive Officer of AIDOS Studios, underscored the programme’s broader ambition to elevate Nigeria’s presence in the global creative economy. She noted that Nigeria’s rich talent and cultural heritage create a fertile foundation for innovation, but that effective communication and distribution channels are vital to translating local creativity into international impact.
The training will include sessions on using AI tools to enhance visual arts work, and participants will also be able to apply for financial support through the Social Good Fund, which is dedicated to supporting creative projects and fostering long-term career growth.
The launch of this training programme aligns with wider government and organisational efforts to deepen digital expertise among Nigeria’s youth, including broader initiatives to expand digital skills training and innovation mentorship across sectors.
By focusing on the intersection of art and AI, the NGA’s programme strives to ensure that emerging creatives are not left behind as technological advancements reshape both cultural industries and the wider economy.
NGA Launches AI Visual Arts Training Programme to Empower 50000 Nigerian Youths
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