By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About N2.8 billion has been provided by Google to develop talents around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria to help achieve the government’s 3 million technical talents (3MTT) programme with a focus on 20,000 Nigerians with AI skills.
This is part of the tech giant’s $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the president of Google EMEA, Mr Matt Brittin, about 125,000 educators will be trained and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups to be empowered with N100 million.
“I am pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the honourable minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria.
“This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.
“Through this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, with a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.
“Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
“Finally, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support,” he said during a chat with newsmen on Thursday.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, said the fund from Google would go a long way to stimulate the economy.
“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy.
“This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.
“Artificial intelligence is a sure tool that can create value for the country itself. AI is already here and we must create a strong ecosystem locally.
“I am a strong believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the government. Government can set the agenda but it is the ecosystem that a programme like this that Google has mentioned that will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see,” the Minister stated.