FG, Google launch AI Campus to reskill Nigeria’s civil servants

Tosin AinaOctober 21, 20253 Mins read28 Views

In a move to transform Nigeria’s public sector into a digitally empowered engine of national productivity, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in partnership with Google.org and global governance platform Apolitical, has launched the Government AI Campus, a landmark initiative aimed at equipping public servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills for smarter governance and more efficient service delivery.

Speaking at the flagship leadership briefing in Abuja, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described the program as a “robust and valuable contribution” to deepening Nigeria’s absorptive capacity for artificial intelligence across government institutions.

“We see Artificial Intelligence as a major driver of productivity across our key sectors,” the Minister declared. “From supporting our farmers to improve yields and strengthen food security, to augmenting classroom learning and revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics, AI can enhance how we deploy resources for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The AI Campus, which will provide comprehensive training and expert-led guidance to public servants nationwide, marks a rare opportunity for Nigeria’s bureaucracy to reskill for a rapidly changing world. Backed by Google.org, it offers courses on AI fundamentals, procurement, and leadership, as well as access to global experts and a peer learning network that connects Nigerian officials to counterparts worldwide.

“Despite our major investments in deepening AI capacity, we also recognize the need for government itself to accelerate understanding among our civil servants,” Dr. Tijani emphasized. “This is why the AI Campus is extremely important, it ensures that AI becomes something native to our public service, helping to shorten administrative processes and deliver better results for citizens.” he added.

For Google, the launch signifies more than just technological support, it represents a deep commitment to Nigeria’s human capital and governance transformation.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications Manager for West Africa, described the initiative as “a profound honour” and “a wholly Nigerian vision,” lauding the Ministry’s foresight in developing a clear national AI strategy that positions Nigeria as a continental leader. “The opportunity is immense,” he said.

“Every dollar invested in AI can add more than eight dollars to the economy. But to capture that value, a vision needs skilled implementers. This program is designed precisely for those public servants who are the engine of national progress.”

Echoing that sentiment, Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, noted that building an AI-ready civil service is central to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“Championing Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future,” Balogun remarked. “By working hand-in-hand with public sector leaders, we’re not only providing technical resources but empowering them to deliver smarter, more efficient government services.”

Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, highlighted that “structured training is the cornerstone of successful AI adoption in government,” describing Nigeria’s effort as “a pioneering step that will equip public servants with the confidence and foresight to lead digital transformation.”

Research by Apolitical underscores the urgency of this effort, noting that while 72 per cent of government leaders globally are running AI pilots, over half admit they lack a comprehensive adoption strategy. The Nigerian government’s approach, through the AI Campus, aims to close that gap by building an AI-skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, improving citizen-centered services, and boosting economic productivity.

Beyond the training program, Dr. Tijani reiterated the government’s broader AI agenda including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the National AI Collective, and the establishment of a National AI Trust, one of the first of its kind in the world, designed to ensure sustained prioritization of AI development.

“We are the first African country to release a government-backed large language model that is multilingual and multimodal,” the Minister said. “That ensures that those building in AI can create solutions that respect and include every Nigerian.”

In his summation, Google’s Kola-Ogunlade put it, “Ultimately, this program is about what AI can do for Nigerians — empowering those at the heart of government to deliver smarter healthcare, more accessible education, and more efficient public services for everyone.”