The Federal Government has launched the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program, a new initiative designed to equip Nigerians with advanced competencies in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The program, announced on Thursday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital talent pool and strengthen the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling programme — another important step on our journey to transform Nigeria into a leading hub for digital skills and development,” Tijani stated.
The program is open to 3MTT fellows and individuals with basic to intermediate knowledge in relevant technical fields, providing a six-month hybrid training model combining self-paced learning, on-site training, and online support.
Courses and Program Structure
Participants will receive training in high-demand AI and data science fields, including:
- Advanced Data Analysis and Visualization
- Data Science and Machine Learning
- Data Architecture
- Geospatial Data Science
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Google-Backed Initiative for AI Development
The DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program is backed by Google, as part of its N2.8 billion grant to upskill young Nigerians in AI. The initiative is being facilitated by Data Science Nigeria (DSN), reinforcing the Federal Government’s efforts to develop a skilled AI workforce.
In October 2024, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy announced Google.org’s N2.8 billion grant to accelerate AI talent development in Nigeria. This was followed by a N100 million commitment to the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) AI Fund, further solidifying Nigeria’s focus on AI education and workforce expansion.
Application and Stakeholder Engagement
Interested individuals can apply for the program online via this link, ensuring access to specialized training that aligns with global AI industry standards.
Tijani emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s AI skills gap and positioning the country as a key player in the global digital economy.
With continued investments in AI and strategic partnerships with global tech leaders, Nigeria is expanding its digital footprint and strengthening its position as a hub for AI-driven innovation and data science expertise.
