FG Empowers 200,000 Nigerians with AI Skills to Drive Digital Economy

By Achimi Muktar

In what is being hailed as a historic leap into the future, the Federal Government has unveiled a nationwide initiative that has already trained over 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies—positioning the country to become a dominant force in Africa’s digital and innovation ecosystem.

The announcement was made during the 10th Annual Symposium and Awards of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by Dr. Patricks Oghuma, revealed that the government’s ambition is not just about numbers—it’s about reshaping Nigeria’s digital identity and unlocking a future built on innovation.

“We are standing at the intersection of two powerful worlds—artificial intelligence and chemistry—merging to redefine sustainability and progress,” Nnaji said. “This isn’t just a training programme. It’s a movement to build a digitally skilled generation ready to solve the real problems of our time.”

The initiative is part of a broader national agenda to integrate AI into critical sectors and ensure Nigeria is not left behind in the global race toward technological advancement.

From Research to Reality

The Minister took the opportunity to challenge Nigeria’s academic community to bridge the persistent gap between groundbreaking research and impactful real-world solutions.

“Far too often, brilliant ideas end up gathering dust in academic journals,” Nnaji noted. “We need transformational research powered by AI that doesn’t just sit on shelves but drives policy, industry innovation, and real change.”

He stressed that chemistry holds a central role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that the fusion of AI and chemistry is key to sustainable progress.

AI-Driven Chemistry: A Game Changer

Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing how AI is revolutionizing the field of chemistry and, by extension, Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable development.

“AI allows us to reduce waste, save energy, and develop cleaner, smarter chemical processes,” Peters said. “At NOUN, we are committed to using technology-enhanced education to solve Nigeria’s toughest challenges.”

He described the symposium not just as an academic gathering, but as a critical step in building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy that aligns with both national development goals and global sustainability standards.

Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

Prof. Edu Inam, Chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, highlighted the Society’s ongoing mentorship and outreach programmes aimed at cultivating the next generation of scientific innovators.

“Through research mentorship, student engagement, and community outreach, ACS Nigeria continues to foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence,” she said.

As conversations at the symposium explored topics ranging from AI-enhanced green chemistry to smart manufacturing and sustainable materials, the message was clear: Nigeria is not just preparing for the future—it is actively building it.

And with over 200,000 citizens now equipped with AI skills, the country is laying the groundwork to become a digital powerhouse—not just for today, but for generations to come.