How Nigerians can learn AI, other high-paying tech skills for free

Nigerians seeking to enhance their employability in the digital economy now have an opportunity to acquire high-paying tech skills for free. The Federal Government, through its Digital Training Academy, has partnered with Coursera to offer government-sponsored learning licenses as part of the National Skilling Project.

The initiative plans to enroll 36,000 Nigerians across all 37 states, providing training in over 10 critical skill areas. These include software development, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, IT automation, AI and machine learning, connected technologies, FinTech, parallel computing, quantum computing, and natural language processing. The AI and Machine Learning track, for example, focuses on developing intelligent systems using advanced technologies.

Participation is open to students, job seekers, and working professionals looking to enter or advance within the technology industry. The courses are delivered via Coursera, allowing learners to benefit from instruction by global experts. The program is fully funded by the Federal Government, meaning successful applicants will not incur any costs for their learning licenses.

To apply, interested Nigerians must register on the Digital Training Academy portal. The process involves creating an account with a National Identification Number and phone number, completing a profile detailing background and career goals, and taking a pre-assessment to determine their current skill level. This assessment helps in assigning participants to an appropriate learning path. The academy has also established training centers nationwide, equipped with internet access and learning devices, to support those without personal computers or reliable internet connections.