Microsoft, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School, today announced a major milestone in its AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI), with more than 350,000 Nigerians reached with AI skills through the programme. This achievement builds on Microsoft’s longstanding partnership with the government, which has delivered digital training to over 4 million people since 2021.
The Director for Government Affairs at Microsoft for West Africa, Nonye Ujam, disclosed this at a media roundtable in Lagos on Tuesday. Ujam said the milestone underscored Nigeria’s commitment to thriving in the digital economy.
She added that recent figures showed that 350,000 individuals had been actively engaged in Microsoft’s specialised students’ programmes, with 63,000 completing specific training pathways and 43,000 receiving global certification.
Ujam also announced plans to train an additional 350,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence skills, describing the move as a major milestone under Microsoft’s National Skills Initiative.
This achievement builds on Microsoft’s longstanding partnership with the government, which has delivered digital training to over 4 million people since 2021.
The milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, technology-driven growth and reflects strong progress in preparing individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy.
“Nigeria cannot afford to wait. AI is reshaping every sector, and the countries that move fastest on skills will lead. We must equip people now, at scale and with intent, so the immense opportunity presented by AI doesn’t pass us by,” General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Abideen Yusuf, said.
Dean of Lagos Business School, Olayinka David-West, emphasised this point too. “AI skilling is no longer optional for Nigeria’s digital future—it is the foundation of our competitiveness. At Lagos Business School, we believe that equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is essential for driving inclusive growth, innovation, and national transformation,” she said.
As it stands, a significant percentage of Nigerian graduates are still to acquire digital skills, highlighting the importance of workforce readiness. Launched in January, the second phase of the Nigeria skilling programme, under Microsoft’s AINSI, aims to reach 1 million citizens over three years, strengthening Nigeria’s AI capability and national competitiveness. AINSI is helping drive a range of different programmes designed to embed AI skills across every sector of the economy.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Microsoft says it remains committed to making AI widely available and doing so responsibly, in line with its mission to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.
