The initiative, announced during a press briefing in Lagos, seeks to equip 10,000 Nigerians with advanced AI skills, positioning the country to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
The programme forms part of the second phase of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria, with TeKnowledge serving as the implementation and delivery partner. The collaboration is designed to strengthen workforce readiness while promoting inclusive adoption of AI technologies across sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Building on earlier success
The expanded partnership builds on groundwork laid in 2025, when TeKnowledge played a central role in designing and delivering one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive AI capability-building programmes.
Unlike a pilot initiative, the programme was structured as a nationwide model focused on converting growing interest in artificial intelligence into practical, employable skills.
Through large-scale awareness campaigns, structured learning pathways, hands-on technical training, and a developer-focused hackathon, the initiative emphasised practical learning and measurable workforce outcomes.
More than 50,000 Nigerians were reached with foundational and intermediate AI training, while over 3,000 participants completed advanced programmes and obtained AI certifications issued by Microsoft across several specialised technical tracks.
Collaboration with national programmes
The initiative also complements existing national digital capacity-building efforts, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, which aims to scale Nigeria’s pool of skilled technology professionals.
As part of the programme, developers participated in a coordinated training effort that culminated in an Agentic AI Hackathon organised under the Microsoft AI National Skilling Initiative framework.
The hackathon brought together emerging developers to build production-ready AI solutions addressing real-world challenges in the fintech sector, showcasing the practical applications of artificial intelligence within Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Focus on scale and impact
Speaking on the initiative, the Territory Director for Africa at TeKnowledge, Olugbolahan Olusanya, said Nigeria is at a critical stage in its digital transformation.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept — it is a present opportunity,” he said.
According to Olusanya, the second phase of the programme will prioritise scale, deeper training, and measurable outcomes.
“We are committing to directly train 10,000 participants in Phase 2, with deliberate focus on youth, women, developers, and decision makers who will drive AI adoption across sectors.
“The Career Fair ensures this initiative goes beyond training, creating direct pathways from learning to livelihood. We are not simply delivering programmes; we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in an AI-powered global economy.”
Opportunity for Nigeria in the AI economy
Also speaking, Chief Growth and AI Officer for Middle East and Africa at Microsoft, Olatomiwa Williams, said Nigeria has a strong opportunity to play a major role in the global AI ecosystem.
She noted that the country could become not only a participant but also a builder and co-creator in the global AI economy if the right skills are developed.
According to Williams, Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative is designed to support Nigeria’s national digital transformation agenda by equipping the workforce with the skills needed for the next wave of technological innovation.