Nigeria's Lagos State to train one million youths in AI
The Lagos State government intends to train over one million students from state-owned tertiary institutions in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies.
This effort aims to improve students' skills and prepare them for the global job market.
Mamud Hassan, the head of public affairs at the Ministry of Tertiary Education, said the program is part of ongoing efforts to increase students' digital competencies.
“The ministry will launch the second phase of the "Digital Capabilities Skills" initiative, targeting students across the state,” he said.
Similarly, Tolani Sule, the commissioner for tertiary education, emphasised that the Lagos Digital Skills Initiative aims to equip more than one million young people with essential digital skills by 2030.
“This training is designed to enhance employability and broaden career opportunities,” he added.
According to him, the program, titled "Maximising the Transforming Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century Workplace," will include entrepreneurial skills development alongside digital training.
Using technology, the program will place importance on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, moving away from traditional routine education, which frequently leaves graduates unprepared for employment market.
The three-week programme, which is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 12, 2024, will be attended by a diverse group of industry experts from key sectors of the economy, including industry captains.
Students from Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, Lagos State College of Health Technology, and Lagos State College of Nursing are all anticipated to attend.