36,000 Nigerian Youths to Benefit as FG Partners Coursera on AI Training

The Federal Government has unveiled a new partnership with Coursera aimed at training thousands of Nigerian youths in digital skills linked to the global tech industry.

The initiative, known as the Digital Training Academy, will provide training for 36,000 young Nigerians in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Software Engineering. The programme was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, after meetings held during the Education World Forum 2026 in London.

According to the minister, the government wants to prepare Nigerian youths for opportunities in the global digital economy. He explained that the training would also cover Cloud Computing and other technology-focused courses now in high demand across international markets.

“On the sidelines of the Education World Forum 2026 in London, I signed a landmark partnership with @coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy (DTA), a major initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive digital skills,” Alausa wrote.

Push for digital jobs

The government said it has already funded 36,000 licences through Coursera and Pluralsight for the programme’s first year. Officials believe this will remove financial barriers for many young Nigerians interested in technology training.

Participants are also expected to earn internationally recognised certifications that could improve their chances of securing jobs within and outside Nigeria.

“Through this programme, young Nigerians will receive world class training in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and other high demand digital fields,” the minister added.

The Federal Government said the programme will run alongside National Open University of Nigeria and Yaba College of Technology to ensure wider access across the country.

Alausa also stressed that digital knowledge has become essential in today’s economy. He noted that the government wants Nigerian youths to compete successfully in the global technology space.