5 Million Students in Lagos to Get Laptops and AI Training in $1 Billion Digital Revolution

By Achimi muktar

In a groundbreaking move to reshape education in Nigeria, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos has joined forces with the U.S.-based Digital Learning Network (DLN) to launch a $1 billion initiative. The ambitious program aims to equip over five million private school students in Lagos with laptops and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) training, setting a new benchmark for digital literacy and innovation.

A Vision for the Future

The partnership, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment for education in Lagos. NAPPS Lagos President Alaka Yusuf described the initiative as a transformative step that will prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.

“This is more than a milestone; it’s a commitment to equipping every child with the tools to thrive in a digital world,” Yusuf stated, emphasizing the program’s potential to foster creativity, critical thinking, and global competitiveness among students. The initiative also promises to revolutionize teaching methodologies, aligning them with international best practices.

Driving Innovation and Employment

DLN CEO Thomas Larmena revealed that the project is entirely privately funded, ensuring no financial burden on NAPPS, the government, or students. A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of laptop assembly facilities in Nigeria, which will generate 2,400 new jobs and 1,400 instructor roles, boosting local employment.

To bridge the digital divide, the program will partner with Starlink and local telecom providers to expand high-speed internet access to schools and surrounding communities. Plans are already underway to scale the initiative nationwide, amplifying its impact across the country.

AI and the National Agenda

This landmark project aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to harness technology for economic growth and youth empowerment. Recently, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation, launched a free AI academy. The academy offers training, ambassadorial roles, and internships with Intel, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to building an AI-savvy workforce.

Applications for the AI academy are open until January 30, 2025, through the program’s official website, providing additional opportunities for young Nigerians to develop valuable skills.

Revolutionizing Education for the Global Economy

This $1 billion initiative is not just about distributing laptops; it represents a paradigm shift in how education is delivered in Nigeria. By integrating AI-powered learning solutions, fostering digital creativity, and building a robust infrastructure, the program is poised to place Nigerian students on par with their global counterparts.

As discussions to scale the program nationwide progress, this initiative signals a brighter, more technologically advanced future for Nigeria’s education system, creating a generation of innovators ready to lead in the global digital economy.