Ogun State has stepped forward as a breeding ground for the next generation of AI developers in Nigeria. Teaming up with the Bosun Tijani Foundation, the state has launched a six-month AI Fellowship Programme targeting young Nigerians ready to take on global tech challenges.
Announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Gen AI Fellowship is designed to blend classroom theory with practical AI training. It’s also fully funded, offering a monthly stipend to all selected participants.
“Are you ready to become part of Nigeria’s next generation of AI innovators?” Tijani asked in a public announcement on X. “This is your chance to level up and shape the country’s AI future.”
Stipend-Supported Programme With Real-World Impact
The fellowship isn’t just a crash course in artificial intelligence — it’s a hands-on initiative to build AI capacity from the ground up. Successful applicants will gain in-depth training in core AI concepts, including real-world applications. The goal is to produce developers who can hold their own anywhere in the world.
The application process is open to Nigerians across the country. Candidates must first verify their National Identification Number (NIN) on the official portal. Once verified, they’ll be able to submit their details and begin the journey into the AI space.
This push aligns closely with the Nigerian government’s broader digital innovation strategy, which includes talent development, tech ecosystem growth, and digital economic inclusion. Ogun State’s decision to localise this effort shows a growing trend of subnational tech investments.
Why Local AI Training Initiatives Matter
The launch of the Gen AI Fellowship reflects a deeper understanding of what’s needed to advance Nigeria’s place in global tech. By developing talent through AI education, Ogun State is investing in a long-term pipeline of innovators.
Minister Tijani has consistently advocated for indigenous AI capacity building, especially with Nigeria’s plan to launch Africa’s first multilingual AI model. This fellowship is another piece of that puzzle. It’s about creating opportunities within Nigeria so local developers don’t have to go abroad to grow.
And the choice of Ogun is strategic. The state already houses multiple innovation hubs and universities, and this programme builds on that infrastructure. It signals that the future of AI in Nigeria might not be confined to Lagos or Abuja.
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