Federal Government Powers Up 100,000 Youths with Google Tech Skills

Federal Government Powers Up 100,000 Youths with Google Tech Skills

Federal Government of Nigeria has sealed a powerful partnership with Google to train over 100,000 Nigerian youths in digital skills, marking a bold move to reshape the future of Nigeria’s tech landscape.

This major collaboration was announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during a visit by Google’s Head of Value Education, Ms. Tanya Singh. The minister called it a “strategic step” to push Nigerian youths into the global tech spotlight.

According to Olawande, the partnership reflects the Federal Government’s deep concern about the future of young people in a fast-changing digital world. “Relying only on government budgets can’t solve all youth challenges,” he said. “This is why we are calling on private companies, NGOs, and global brands like Google to step in and help change lives.”

The deal will train young Nigerians in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), coding, digital marketing, and other tech-based skills that are in high demand globally.

As part of the agreement, Google has committed a massive ₦2.8 billion grant to boost AI talent in Nigeria. This funding, provided through Google.org, is expected to open new doors for students, educators, and public servants across the country.

Three major training programmes will be funded:

The DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme, targeting 20,000 young Nigerians to learn data science and AI skills.

The Experience AI Programme, which will equip 25,000 educators to introduce AI to over 125,000 schoolchildren.

The Government AI Campus Programme, focused on training public servants and policymakers on AI use and ethics.

This move is also backed by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a government agency tasked with developing Nigeria’s AI capacity.

In addition to training, the Federal Government and Google have set up a special AI Start-up Fund, offering ₦100 million each to 10 Nigerian startups. These startups are building smart solutions in areas like healthcare, energy, education, and national security.

Each of the selected startups will also receive up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship, and technical support to grow their innovations and reach wider markets.

Olawande emphasized that the goal is not just to train youths, but to help them become global competitors. “We want young Nigerians to create solutions the world can use, not just Nigeria,” he added.

The broader initiative is based on five pillars:

1. Building digital skills in human capital

2. Improving digital infrastructure

3. Diversifying the economy through technology

4. Promoting entrepreneurship and SMEs

5. Positioning Nigeria as a leading talent hub for the world

These pillars, the government believes, will help Nigeria become more self-reliant and globally competitive in innovation and creativity.

Also in the plan, the Federal Government will train at least 100,000 artisans across the country. This is part of its effort to give more young people the tools to earn and support their families in today’s economy.

The initiative sends a clear message: Nigeria is open to tech partnerships that offer real impact. For many young Nigerians, this may be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.

In her remarks, Tanya Singh praised Nigeria’s youth potential. “Nigeria has some of the brightest young minds in the world,” she said. “This partnership is about giving them the tools to shine.”

This landmark effort by the Federal Government and Google shows that public-private collaboration can be the key to real transformation. As the digital world continues to expand, Nigeria is now better positioned to be part of that global future.