The National Information Technology Development Agency has launched a ₦5 billion Digital Skills Acceleration Programme that will train 100,000 Nigerian software developers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing over the next three years.

The programme, which opened applications on Monday, will fund tuition at 45 accredited training institutions across all six geopolitical zones. Successful applicants will receive full scholarships covering course fees, learning materials, and a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 during their training period.

AI as a national priority

NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the programme was part of Nigeria's National AI Strategy, which aims to position the country among the world's top five AI talent exporters by 2030. Nigeria currently has approximately 65,000 professional software developers — a number the government says needs to reach 500,000 to meet both domestic demand and export potential.

The World Bank estimates that Nigeria's digital economy could reach $88 billion by 2030 if current growth rates are maintained and the skills gap is addressed. Cloud computing alone is expected to generate $2.3 billion in annual revenue by 2027.