FG and Meta launch an AI academy to train developers, support startups and grow Nigeria’s technology talent.
Nigeria is set to train more people in artificial intelligence through a new partnership with Meta. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy announced the AI academy on Monday.
The partnership also includes the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN). The goal is simple: help Nigerians move from learning AI basics to building real solutions.
The academy will offer free courses on generative AI, prompt engineering, multimodal AI and data analytics. Participants will also learn how to build applications with Meta’s Llama AI models. Courses will run through Coursera, DeepLearning.AI and DataCamp. The top 100 performers can earn scholarships for Meta Blueprint certifications. They can also receive up to $5,000 in Meta advertising credits.
“Through this partnership, we are equipping developers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with practical AI skills,” said Minister Bosun Tijani.
Meanwhile, Nigerian startups will get a chance to compete in an AI Startup Pitchathon. Applications close on August 21. Ten startups will then pitch their ideas at GITEX Nigeria on September 3. Two winners will each receive $5,000 in cash and $2,000 in Meta advertising credits. They will also travel to Istanbul, Türkiye, for Meta’s AI Summit in November.
“What many founders and developers need is greater access to practical training, funding and platforms,” said Meta’s Sade Dada.
Beyond the pitchathon, RAIN will run a six-week Developer Bootcamp for selected developers and startups. The programme will provide hands-on training, technical support and access to Meta AI experts. RAIN CEO Dr Olushola Ayoola said,
“Building Nigeria’s AI capacity requires the kind of coordinated effort we are seeing here.”
With AI changing how businesses create products and work, the academy could give more Nigerians the skills to compete locally and globally.
