Free AI Training in Nigeria: Opportunities to Build Skills in 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital economy through accessible education initiatives. With the AI market in Nigeria projected to reach $434.4 million by 2026 and contribute $15 billion to the economy by 2030, free AI training programs are critical for equipping Nigerians with in-demand skills. As of 2025, several organizations, including government bodies, international partners, and private institutions, offer free AI training to students, youths, professionals, and civil servants. This article explores the top free AI training opportunities in Nigeria, detailing their structure, eligibility, benefits, and impact, based on recent initiatives and ongoing programs.

1. FMIST AI Academy

Overview: Launched on December 19, 2024, by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation, the AI Academy is Nigeria’s flagship free AI training program. It aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy by providing accessible, high-quality AI education.

Program Details:

• Format: Self-paced online modules, accessible via scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy.
• Duration: 3–6 months, depending on the participant’s pace.
• Curriculum:
  • AI fundamentals (e.g., machine learning, neural networks, deep learning).
  • Ethical AI practices and governance, emphasizing responsible AI use.
  • Hands-on training with tools and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Python.
  • Real-world applications in healthcare (e.g., diagnostics), agriculture (e.g., precision farming), education (e.g., personalized learning), and security (e.g., surveillance).
• Certification: Globally recognized certificate upon completion, enhancing career prospects.
• Additional Opportunities:
  • National competition to qualify as AI Ambassadors, representing Nigeria in global forums.
  • Internships with Intel Corporation for top performers, offering hands-on global experience.
  • Access to a supportive learning community for networking with industry experts and peers.

Eligibility:

• Open to all Nigerians, including students, youths, civil servants, and professionals.
• No prior AI experience required; designed for beginners with a step-by-step approach.
• Basic computer literacy and reliable internet access are recommended.

Registration:

• Registration opened on December 19, 2024, and closes on January 30, 2026.
• Enroll at scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy.

Impact:

• Equips participants with skills for high-demand careers in data science, machine learning, and AI engineering.
• Supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, fostering innovation in key sectors.
• Enhances global competitiveness through internships, ambassadorial roles, and certifications.

Contact: Visit scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy or email nc***@*******ov.ng.

2. NITDA AI Developers Group Training

Overview: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) offers a free monthly AI Developers Group Training at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja. Part of NITDA’s goal to train one million Nigerian developers, this program focuses on practical AI skills to prepare participants for tech careers.

Program Details:

• Format: Hybrid (in-person at NCAIR, Wuye District, Abuja, and online for remote participants).
• Duration: 4–8 weeks per cohort, with monthly intakes.
• Curriculum:
  • Two tracks:
    • Beginner Track: AI fundamentals, Python programming, data science basics.
    • Advanced Track: Machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP).
  • Project-based learning with real-world applications (e.g., building predictive models or chatbots).
  • Focus on Nigeria’s Large Language Model (LLM) for low-resource languages and accented English.
• Certification: Certificate of completion issued by NITDA, recognized in Nigeria’s tech industry.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Access to NCAIR’s computing resources (100 vCPUs, 100 GB RAM, 100 TB SSD).
  • Mentorship from AI professionals and collaboration on national AI projects.
  • Networking opportunities with tech startups and multinational firms.

Eligibility:

• Open to Nigerian developers, students, and professionals.
• Beginner track requires no prior experience; advanced track requires basic programming knowledge (Python preferred).
• Participants must have access to a computer and internet for online components.

Registration:

• Applications announced monthly via NITDA’s social media (e.g., @NITDANigeria on X).
• Contact NCAIR at nc***@*******ov.ng or call 08178778499/08178778501.

Impact:

• Trains thousands annually, addressing Nigeria’s AI talent shortage (less than 5% of universities offer AI-specific courses).
• Contributes to Nigeria’s LLM, enhancing language representation in AI datasets.
• Prepares participants for roles in tech startups (e.g., Flutterwave, Paystack) and global firms (e.g., Google, Microsoft).

Contact: Visit ncair.nitda.gov.ng for updates and application details.

3. Data Science Nigeria (DSN) Free Training

Overview: Established in 2016, Data Science Nigeria (DSN) is Africa’s leading AI and data science organization, with a mission to raise one million AI talents across Africa. DSN offers free training through community events, bootcamps, and online platforms, emphasizing inclusivity, practical skills, and ethical AI practices. In 2024, DSN received a ₦2.8 billion ($1.7 million) Google.org grant to train 20,000 youth and 25,000 educators in AI and data science.

Program Details:

• Format: Hybrid (online webinars and in-person bootcamps in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities).
• Duration: Varies from 1-day workshops to multi-week bootcamps.
• Curriculum:
  • Free Python programming basics for absolute beginners.
  • Machine learning, deep learning, and AI fundamentals (e.g., regression, neural networks).
  • Project-based learning (e.g., sentiment analysis, predictive analytics, or computer vision projects).
  • AI ethics, focusing on responsible AI development and societal impact.
• Certification: Certificates provided for select programs, recognized by Nigerian and African tech firms.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Access to a vibrant network of over 14,000 AI enthusiasts across 90 countries.
  • Mentorship from industry leaders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
  • Free resources (e.g., tutorials, datasets) for self-paced learning.
  • Opportunities to collaborate on AI startup projects and hackathons.

Eligibility:

• Open to beginners, professionals, and AI enthusiasts across Anglophone and Francophone Africa.
• No prior experience required for introductory courses.
• Basic computer literacy and enthusiasm for AI are recommended.

Registration:

• Check datasciencenigeria.org for upcoming events and registration.
• Follow DSN on social media (e.g., X, LinkedIn) for announcements.

Impact:

• Trained thousands in Python and machine learning, fostering inclusivity for women and youth.
• Graduates contribute to Nigeria’s AI startup ecosystem, with alumni at firms like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Interswitch.
• Supports digital transformation in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and agriculture.

Contact: Visit datasciencenigeria.org or email in**@****************ia.org.

4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Digital Skills Program

Overview: Launched in July 2025 in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, the AWS Digital Skills Program offers free training in AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and digital skills to Nigerian students and educators. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and prepare participants for tech careers.

Program Details:

• Format: Online and in-person training sessions, with access to AWS Educate and AWS Skill Builder platforms.
• Duration: Varies from short workshops (1–2 days) to multi-month courses.
• Curriculum:
  • AI and machine learning fundamentals (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Amazon Rekognition).
  • Cloud computing basics and advanced applications.
  • Practical projects, such as building AI models for image recognition or predictive analytics.
  • Career-focused modules on resume building and interview preparation.
• Certification: AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty) available upon completion.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Access to AWS Cloud Credits for hands-on practice.
  • Mentorship from AWS professionals and industry experts.
  • Job placement support through AWS’s network of partner companies.

Eligibility:

• Open to Nigerian students (secondary and tertiary) and educators.
• No prior AI or cloud computing experience required.
• Basic computer skills and internet access are necessary.

Registration:

• Details announced via the Federal Ministry of Education (@NigEducation on X) and AWS websites.
• Register through aws.amazon.com/training or contact local educational institutions.

Impact:

• Empowers students and educators to integrate AI into education and research.
• Prepares participants for high-paying roles in cloud computing and AI engineering.
• Supports Nigeria’s goal to train three million technical talents by 2027.

Contact: Visit aws.amazon.com/training or follow @NigEducation on X for updates.

5. Divverse Labs AI Agentic Program

Overview: Divverse Labs offers a free 10-week AI Agentic Program for mid-level software and data engineers in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Launched in January 2025, this program focuses on building AI agents for real-world applications, enhancing career prospects in the AI industry.

Program Details:

• Format: Online, instructor-led training with hands-on projects.
• Duration: 10 weeks.
• Curriculum:
  • Building AI agents for automation and decision-making.
  • Integration of AI services with platforms like n8n for workflow automation.
  • Advanced topics in AI-driven decision-making and custom AI nodes.
• Certification: Certificate of completion, recognized by tech firms in Africa.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Practical experience through real-world AI projects.
  • Networking with software and data engineers across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
  • Career advancement opportunities with Divverse Labs’ partner organizations.

Eligibility:

• Mid-level software or data engineers with some programming experience (Python, JavaScript preferred).
• Open to Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Kenyans.
• Requires a computer and stable internet connection.

Registration:

• Enroll via links shared on Divverse Labs’ X account (@divverselabs).
• Limited slots; early registration recommended.

Impact:

• Enhances skills for mid-level engineers, enabling them to transition to advanced AI roles.
• Fosters cross-country collaboration, strengthening Africa’s AI ecosystem.
• Prepares participants for high-demand roles in AI automation and software development.

Contact: Follow @divverselabs on X or visit their website for registration details.

Challenges and Considerations

• Internet Access: Limited connectivity in rural areas may hinder participation in online programs. Initiatives like Starlink adoption are addressing this, but challenges remain.
• Skill Gaps: While beginner-friendly, some programs (e.g., NITDA’s advanced track) require basic programming knowledge, which may exclude absolute novices.
• Awareness: Many Nigerians are unaware of these opportunities due to limited outreach. Following organizations on platforms like X (@NITDANigeria, @fmydNG) can help.
• Completion Rates: Self-paced programs like the FMIST AI Academy require discipline to complete within 3–6 months.

Tips for Maximizing Free AI Training

• Start Early: Register promptly, as programs like the FMIST AI Academy and Divverse Labs have deadlines or limited slots.
• Build a Portfolio: Use project-based learning to create AI projects (e.g., chatbots, predictive models) to showcase to employers.
• Network Actively: Engage with mentors and peers through program communities to access job opportunities and collaborations.
• Supplement Learning: Explore free resources like skillsbuild.org for additional AI courses.
• Stay Updated: Follow organizations on X (@NITDANigeria, @divverselabs, @NigEducation) for new training announcements.

Why Pursue Free AI Training in Nigeria?

• High Demand: AI-related jobs in Nigeria have grown by over 60% in the last five years, with salaries ranging from ₦2.4M–₦24M annually locally and up to $200,000 for remote roles.
• Economic Impact: AI is expected to contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, creating opportunities in fintech, healthcare, and agriculture.
• Accessibility: Free programs remove financial barriers, making AI education inclusive for students, youths, and professionals.
• Global Opportunities: Certifications and internships (e.g., with Intel, AWS) enhance global employability, especially for remote work with firms like Google and Microsoft.

Conclusion

Free AI training programs in Nigeria, such as the FMIST AI Academy, NITDA AI Developers Group, Data Science Nigeria, AWS Digital Skills Program, and Divverse Labs AI Agentic Program, offer unparalleled opportunities to acquire cutting-edge skills in 2025. These initiatives, supported by government and international partners, empower Nigerians to innovate in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education while addressing the nation’s AI talent shortage. By participating in these programs, building portfolios, and networking actively, Nigerians can position themselves as leaders in the global AI economy. To get started, visit program websites like scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy and datasciencenigeria.org or follow announcements on X for the latest opportunities.