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The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new program as part of its digital transformation strategy. The initiative aims to equip 1,000 citizens each year with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and other technologies. The government will implement the program in collaboration with private technology company Guruwa. This partnership is in line with President Tinubu’s policy to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital technology sector. Speaking at the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, Vice President Kassim Shettima said Nigeria will use this program to more than catch up with other countries. He said that he intends to do the following. of the world. The goal is to surpass other countries globally in terms of technology.
While training 1,000 people in advanced technical skills is a positive step for Nigeria, it is not a step forward for Nigeria, as global tech companies like the US and China invest billions of dollars annually in research and development and have vast technical workforces. That alone is likely not enough to overtake the leader.
However, he asserted that the new initiative will offer beneficiaries the chance to become part of the global workforce and help drive innovation that will shape the country’s future.
Outlining the Federal Government’s broader vision, Shettima said: “We are adopting this initiative across the country to build a network of technology hubs that will drive Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come.
“Our goal is to transform Nigeria into a leading destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent,” Shettima concluded.
This latest initiative is one of many programs by the Tinubu-led government to build the country’s capacity in emerging technologies.
In 2023, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE) announced plans to equip three million Nigerians with technology skills by 2027. The government has begun training for the 270,000 researchers selected for the second phase. Expectations are high among Nigerians as the program is set to begin in May 2024.
Also, in early July 2024, the National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA) announced plans to establish research centers for emerging technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Announced.
The Vice President last week announced the federal government’s strategy to drive Africa’s digital trade revolution under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
These initiatives further underline the government’s commitment to developing advanced technological capabilities in the country.
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