Microsoft Partners FG on 5 Year Tech Training for 4M Nigerians

Microsoft says its partnership with the Federal Government has trained more than four million Nigerians in digital skills since 2021.

The update was announced on Tuesday in Lagos by Nonye Ujam, Director for Government Affairs at Microsoft West Africa, during a media roundtable.

Ujam said 350,000 people have taken part in Microsoft’s specialised student programmes. 

Out of this number, 63,000 completed structured training pathways, while 43,000 earned globally recognised certifications.

She also disclosed plans to train another 350,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence skills under Microsoft’s National AI Skills Initiative. The programme is being delivered with Data Science Nigeria and Lagos Business School.

According to Ujam, Microsoft is running developer-focused programmes to prepare software developers for future technologies and support government initiatives such as Developers in Government and the Three Million Technical Talent programme.

Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana Country General Manager, Abideen Yusuf, said Nigeria’s AI adoption rate is 8.7 per cent, below the Sub-Saharan African average. He said the country must move faster on skills development as AI is reshaping all sectors.

Yusuf explained that Microsoft’s work with government focuses on innovation, infrastructure, and skills, with skills being the key priority. He said the goal is to help leaders, developers, and users adopt AI across the economy.

Dean of Lagos Business School, Mrs Olayinka David-West, said the partnership has trained 99 public sector leaders from 58 government agencies. She noted that AI training includes governance, ethics, and risk management to support decision-making and sector growth.

Founder of Data Science Nigeria, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, represented by Business Lead Aanu Oyeniran, said the programme is structured to reach grassroots learners. He said capacity building in governance, education, and community adoption is necessary for national digital growth.

The Microsoft-FG partnership aligns with broader federal digital skills programmes, including nationwide digital literacy initiatives and sector-specific technical training aimed at preparing Nigerians for technology-driven jobs.