FG will admit Nigerians into the Commonwealth’s AI Academy to drive innovation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it is in discussions with the Commonwealth of Nations to enroll Nigerians in its AI Academy to drive innovation across multiple sectors of the economy.

This announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, via his X page on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The deliberations were the result of high-level meetings with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Patricia Scotland, on the sidelines of the recently concluded 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

AI as a tool to boost the Nigerian economy

Nnaji disclosed that they discussed introducing and engaging Nigerians in the ambitious AI training initiative through the Commonwealth AI Academy, supported by Intel.

According to him, “This program will equip millions of Nigerians, especially our youths and women, with industrial-grade AI skills.”

He explained that following Nigeria’s commitment, this initiative will place Nigeria at the forefront of AI adoption and has the potential to transform key sectors such as governance, healthcare and agriculture through capacity building.

“The AI Academy, part of the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium, will offer specialized courses such as AI for the public sector and AI for youth, helping us build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and tackling global challenges .” he explained.

Nnaji reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to integrating technology into climate action, particularly sustainable agriculture.

He added that collaboration with the Commonwealth will further strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in the use of technology for sustainable development and climate resilience.

“Using techniques like Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) and biochar, we are improving soil health and aligning with the global climate goals of the Paris Agreement.

“I look forward to Nigeria presenting innovative, technology-driven solutions to climate challenges as we approach COP29.” he added.

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The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) is part of a broader action plan aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support member states and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people under the age of 30 , which also includes Nigeria.

As announced on the Commonwealth website, the CAIC, which includes global technology companies, world-leading research institutions, non-profit organizations and at least six Commonwealth member countries committed to AI innovation, convened a steering committee for the first time at a meeting in Year 2023 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

“The Steering Committee agreed on a robust action plan aimed at building the capacity to deploy AI in member countries to benefit from global innovations such as cloud computing and generative AI.

“Increased use of technology is expected to lead to economic growth, sustainability, improved health outcomes and job creation.

“This includes a framework that sets out how different organizations and groups will contribute to implementation, as well as the creation of four working groups to drive action in the following key areas: policy, capacity building, data and infrastructure, and research and innovation.”,, The Commonwealth statement reads in part.