By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new program to train 1,000 Nigerians each year in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other advanced technologies. Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima launched the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, as part of Nigeria’s strategy to lead digital transformation in Africa.
The government has partnered with the private tech company Gluwa to implement the program. During the launch, Vice President Shettima encouraged Nigerian youths to participate, emphasizing its significance for the nation’s economic future. He stated that Nigeria is not just catching up with global technology trends but is positioned to surpass them. The initiative offers beneficiaries a chance to join a global workforce and drive innovation for the future.
Vice President Shettima highlighted Jigawa State’s role in adopting digital technology, describing the program as a “homecoming ceremony” for those facilitating the journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He detailed the federal government’s broader vision to establish tech hubs nationwide to boost Nigeria’s economic growth for decades.
The VP praised the partnership with Gluwa, aligning it with President Tinubu’s agenda to transform Nigeria’s digital technology landscape. He noted Gluwa’s impact, particularly in empowering Aella Microfinance Bank to disburse over N100 billion to two million Nigerians.
Addressing the global impact of the initiative, Shettima expressed the aspiration to make Nigeria a top destination for technology outsourcing, merging global expertise with local talent.
Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi emphasized the initiative’s importance as a unique opportunity for youth. He urged people to explore the digital world of ICT outsourcing to benefit from job creation and economic growth.
Governor Namadi highlighted Jigawa’s history in ICT education, crediting the reputable Informatics Institute established over two decades ago for producing many ICT-savvy youths. He announced the creation of a new ICT & Digital Economy Agency to establish Jigawa as a key ICT hub in Nigeria.
This new initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians annually is among several government efforts to enhance the country’s capabilities in emerging technologies. Earlier, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to set up research centers for emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
