•As Google pumps N2.8b to equip Nigerian youths 

By Juliet Umeh

Artificial intelligence (AI), is the talk on every lips. It has become an issue for the fear that it could kick-start the extinction of humans due to capabilities to replace the human ability in certain activities and produce results faster.

AI is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot   to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. It’s a project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual  processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience.

That alone has made countries wary of deploying AI in sensitive places even as every country equips its youths now towards understanding AI to the extent of outwitting its capabilities.

Interestingly, Nigerian youths are set to benefit from Google’s latest initiative to drive AI talent development, following the announcement of a N2.8 billion ($5.8 million) investment aimed at expanding digital skills and fostering opportunities in the AI sector.

According to Matt Brittin, President of Google Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this grant underscores Google’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians to build skills in artificial intelligence, AI, positioning them for impactful careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.

Brittin during his visit to Nigeria said: “Nigeria’s youth have immense potential, and we are dedicated to equipping them with the skills and resources to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

“Our support will help unlock opportunities in AI that are crucial to Nigeria’s future economic growth.”

The funding will support several key initiatives, including a partnership with Data Science Nigeria, which will use $1.5 million to provide foundational training in AI and cybersecurity for unemployed and at-risk Nigerians.

“This programme will offer young people essential digital skills, preparing them for competitive roles in technology and innovation.

To further bridge the digital divide, Google is launching a programme to train 25,000 Nigerian educators in AI-related content, enabling them to teach 125,000 students across the country. Brittin explained: “This is about inspiring young Nigerians to see AI as a tool for creating sustainable futures.”

He highlighted how these educational programmes are designed to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy youth who can leverage AI to tackle societal challenges and drive economic progress.

In addition, he noted that Google’s Hustle Academy will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, offering AI-driven training programmes to empower entrepreneurs and support the growth of local businesses.

Brittin stated: “Google’s Career Certificates also allow Nigerians to acquire industry-ready skills in AI, cybersecurity, and programming languages like Python and SQL.

“This investment complements recent developments in digital infrastructure, such as Google’s Equiano subsea fiber-optic cable, launched in Lagos in 2022. This infrastructure upgrade enhances connectivity, creating more opportunities for Nigerian youth to access online learning and digital tools.

“Moreover, Google has expanded AI accessibility by integrating local languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin into its voice search and Translate functions. This integration makes it easier for Nigerians to engage with AI-powered services in their native languages, fostering inclusivity in digital spaces.

Brittin emphasized that the AI talent development initiative aims to not only build technical skills but also inspire a shift in mindset among Nigerian youth.