The Nigerian government has received a N2.8bn donation from Google to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) skills development in the nation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed this collaboration during a press conference in Abuja, emphasizing its significance in establishing Nigeria as a pioneer in AI advancement.
The grant comes after Google’s N100 million AI fund programme undertaken in partnership with the Nigerian government the previous month.
Tijani stated that the funding, a portion of Google’s $5.8 million pledge to improving digital skills in sub-Saharan Africa, is intended to help Nigerians acquire crucial digital skills in order to tackle unemployment and economic hardships.
Tijani stated that AI is an essential tool for generating value throughout Nigeria.
The backing from Google showcases our dedication to developing a robust AI network to tackle specific local issues, specifically in healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.
President of Google EMEA, Matt Brittin, explained how the grant will be used in Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme to provide AI training to 20,000 Nigerians.
Moreover, a total of 125,000 teachers will receive training through the “Experience AI Programme” in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, with the goal of igniting interest in AI basics among 125,000 students.
Brittin added that the AI fund worth N100 million will back 10 AI startups in Nigeria like BetaLife Health, Farmspeak, and Trade Lenda, providing them with more Google Cloud Credits and guidance to promote advancement and creativity in Nigeria’s tech industry.
