Microsoft has announced that its partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria has trained more than four million Nigerians in digital skills since 2021. This effort, part of Microsoft’s digital skills training initiative in Nigeria, reinforces the country’s drive toward a technology-driven economy.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday in Lagos by Nonye Ujam, Director for Government Affairs at Microsoft West Africa, during a media roundtable. According to her, the initiative reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to building a future-ready workforce.
Ujam revealed that about 350,000 Nigerians have taken part in Microsoft’s specialized student programmes. Among these participants, 63,000 completed structured learning pathways and 43,000 earned globally recognized certifications, showcasing the impact of Microsoft’s digital skills training in Nigeria.
350,000 Nigerians to receive AI training
Microsoft also announced plans to train an additional 350,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence skills under its National AI Skills Initiative (AINSI). The programme is being implemented in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and Lagos Business School, further integrating digital skills in Nigeria.
“Microsoft is equipping developers for the future through developer-focused programmes, creating a strong pipeline of technical talent,” Ujam said.
She highlighted key government-driven initiatives such as Developers in Government (DevsInGov) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. These initiatives are led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. They are improving skills among public sector developers and are part of the broader digital skills training strategy in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s AI adoption remains low
Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana Country General Manager, Abideen Yusuf, disclosed that Nigeria’s AI adoption rate stands at 8.7%. This rate is slightly below the Sub-Saharan African average.
“Nigeria cannot afford to wait. AI is reshaping every sector, and countries that move fastest on skills will lead,” Yusuf said.
He explained that Microsoft’s strategy focuses on innovation, infrastructure, and skills. He added that collaboration with government is helping Nigerians adopt and scale AI solutions through targeted digital skills training initiatives across the economy.
Public sector leadership and grassroots impact
Dean of Lagos Business School, Mrs Olayinka David-West, said the partnership has trained 99 public sector leaders from 58 government agencies, stressing the importance of AI governance, ethics, and risk management.
Meanwhile, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, Founder of Data Science Nigeria, represented by Business Lead Aanu Oyeniran, noted that the programme is structured to reach grassroots learners. Additionally, it supports evidence-driven governance and responsible innovation through Microsoft’s digital skills training efforts in Nigeria.
What you should know
Nigeria has intensified its digital skills development efforts in 2025 through multiple federal initiatives:
- The Ministry of Education partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch free digital skills training in over 40 universities and polytechnics, focusing on cloud computing and AI. This move complements Microsoft’s digital skills initiatives in Nigeria.
- 270 technical teachers were trained earlier in the year to strengthen technical and vocational education.
- A nationwide TVET programme was launched to accredit vocational centres and introduce artisan-led mentorship, targeting five million youths.
- Under NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL), the Federal Government aims to reach 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030, including plans to train 1.1 million Enugu State residents by 2027. Microsoft’s digital skills training efforts contribute significantly to these goals.
