The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) celebrated a significant milestone as it marked the first anniversary of its AI Developers Training (NAIDT) program.
Originally known as the NITDA Developers Group (NDG) Training, NAIDT has emerged as a critical initiative aimed at accelerating the technological prowess of young Nigerians in the ever-evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
With AI being one of the most sought-after tech talents in today’s digital landscape, this program has become a beacon of hope for aspiring AI enthusiasts.
Under the wings of NAIDT and with unwavering support from volunteers associated with the Google Developers Group (GDG), NITDA has successfully empowered numerous Nigerian youth, guiding them on a transformative journey.
The program not only promises to change their lives but also radiates a positive domino effect that will resonate throughout society.
The foundation of NAIDT rests on NITDA’s “Learn, Teach, and Earn” philosophy. Graduates of the program have not only become proficient in AI but have also transformed into instructors. This approach fosters a continuous cycle of learning, teaching, and financial empowerment.
Former participants are now taking the lead as they teach and mentor the next generation of tech enthusiasts while enhancing their own financial standing through the earnings generated from the program.
As NITDA and GDG join in celebrating NAIDT’s first anniversary, they have much to be proud of. The program has achieved remarkable success, not only by upskilling Nigerian youths but also by inspiring participants to establish innovation-driven startups.
Names like ElonosiaAI, FundusAI, and Gyronics have already emerged as symbols of innovation and creativity. Others have taken on roles as ambassadors for tech giants like Microsoft, and some have started offering their services to foreign companies while residing in Nigeria.
Over the course of one year, NAIDT has conducted 12 cohorts, training a total of 2,785 Nigerians from diverse walks of life.
The program welcomes participants ranging from NYSC corps members and graduates to secondary school students and artisans. Training encompasses a wide spectrum of AI domains, including machine learning, data analytics, and other areas such as natural language processing (NLP).
Participants are also introduced to the utilization of AI tools like ChatGPT to harness the capabilities of large language models.
On this special occasion, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the program’s beneficiaries. He pledged to continue supporting startups that emerge from the program, ensuring they thrive in the tech ecosystem. Mr. Abdullahi expressed his gratitude to GDG for their unwavering commitment to the program’s success.
Despite these achievements, the Director-General noted the underrepresentation of female participants, with women constituting less than 10% of the program’s attendees. He issued a challenge to GDG, urging them to innovate and find solutions that promote gender balance in AI training, such as developing specialized programs aimed at empowering women in AI and other emerging technologies.
This emphasis on inclusivity demonstrates NITDA’s commitment to ensuring that all aspiring AI talents, regardless of gender, have an equal opportunity to participate and succeed in the program.
