By Esther Onyegbula

As Nigeria’s artificial intelligence (AI) conversation shifts from basic awareness to real-world application, technology education firm, Kini AI, has begun a grassroots push to integrate practical AI learning into classrooms and communities, starting with a pilot programme in Lagos State.

The initiative, which has already trained over 1,000 individuals, is designed to move beyond theoretical knowledge by equipping Nigerians with hands-on skills to apply AI tools in everyday activities, particularly in education and small-scale enterprises.

Chief Executive Officer of Kini AI, Rotimi Awaye, said the organisation’s focus is to bridge the widening gap between awareness and access, noting that many Nigerians, especially students, teachers, and small business owners, remain excluded from meaningful participation in the AI-driven economy.

According to him, “The conversation around AI in Nigeria is evolving, but access to practical knowledge is still limited. What we are doing is to ensure that people are not just hearing about AI, but are actually learning how to use it in ways that impact their daily lives.”

Awaye disclosed that a major component of the organisation’s strategy is its collaboration within Lagos State’s education system, where it is rolling out a government-approved AI training programme targeting both students and teachers.

He explained that the approach is aimed at building sustainability within the system by empowering educators to continue teaching AI concepts beyond the pilot phase.
“Our goal is not just to introduce AI to students early, but to build capacity among teachers so that the knowledge can be sustained and scaled within the education system,” he said.

Beyond the classroom, Kini AI is also extending its training to small and medium-scale enterprise operators and emerging professionals, helping them understand how AI tools can improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and support business growth.

At the heart of the organisation’s long-term vision is “Project 1 Million,” an ambitious initiative aimed at equipping one million Nigerians with practical AI literacy across different segments of society, including underserved communities.

Awaye noted that the programme is deliberately inclusive, targeting groups that are often left out of digital skill development efforts.
“This is about democratising access to AI knowledge. Innovation alone is not enough; people must be able to access and use these tools meaningfully,” he added.

Industry observers say the move reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s technology landscape, where emphasis is increasingly being placed on accessibility and practical adoption rather than mere awareness.

With its school-based pilot and community-focused outreach, Kini AI’s intervention is expected to contribute to building a more digitally skilled population, positioning more Nigerians to participate effectively in the global AI ecosystem.