Nigeria is taking a major step toward becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence as TeKnowledge and Microsoft announce the expansion of their partnership to train 10,000 AI experts. The initiative, unveiled in Lagos yesterday, aims to close the country’s tech skills gap and prepare Nigerian professionals to compete in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
This new phase builds on the success of 2025, when TeKnowledge helped implement one of Nigeria’s largest AI capability-building programs. That nationwide effort trained over 50,000 Nigerians in foundational and intermediate AI skills, while more than 3,000 participants completed advanced courses and earned Microsoft AI certifications. The program combined hands-on technical training, structured learning paths, and developer-focused hackathons to translate AI interest into employable expertise.
TeKnowledge will serve as the lead implementation partner for Phase 2 of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative, focusing on deepening AI adoption across multiple sectors. The program also works alongside national initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, offering coordinated training and an Agentic AI Hackathon to develop practical, real-world AI solutions, particularly in fintech.
Speaking on the initiative, Olugbolahan Olusanya, Territory Director for Africa at TeKnowledge, said, “Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept—it is a present opportunity. This next phase is about scale, depth, and measurable impact. We are committing to directly train 10,000 participants, with special focus on youth, women, and developers who will drive AI adoption across sectors.”
Olatomiwa Williams, Chief Growth and AI Officer at Microsoft Middle East and Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of the program, noting that participants would not only learn but also build and co-create solutions in the global AI economy. “Much of this promise depends on equipping Nigerians with the right skills for this exciting new era,” she said, highlighting the initiative’s role in connecting learning to career opportunities and strengthening Nigeria’s AI workforce for the future.
source: The Guardian