Federal Government Launches Ambitious Program to Train 500,000 Youths in Robotics and AI

In an ambitious initiative to empower youths for self-employment and enhance technical and entrepreneurship skills,

the federal government has announced its readiness to train over 500,000 youths across Nigeria in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Abiola Arogundade, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, disclosed this during an event in Abuja. At the event, laptops and online course licenses were distributed to 50 students of Government Science and Technical College, Area III, Garki Abuja.

Arogundade highlighted that this initiative, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and supported by the private sector, aims to significantly upscale the skill level of the nation’s workforce. The target is to increase the skill level from the current 15 percent to 50 percent as part of the mandate given to her office by the President.

The training program seeks to:

1. Empower Youths: Equip young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in Robotics and AI, making them self-reliant and prepared for future job markets.

2. Promote Entrepreneurship: Foster an entrepreneurial spirit among youths by providing them with the necessary skills to start their own tech-based businesses.

3. Enhance Workforce Skills: Substantially raise the skill level of the Nigerian workforce to meet the demands of modern industries and global competition.

The program’s success hinges on collaboration with the private sector, which will provide the necessary resources and expertise. This partnership ensures that the training is practical and aligned with industry needs, thereby increasing the employability of the trainees.

The large-scale training initiative is expected to:

Reduce Unemployment: By equipping youths with marketable skills, the program aims to reduce unemployment rates significantly.

Boost Economic Growth: Skilled youths can contribute to economic growth by starting new businesses and driving innovation in various sectors.

Improve Global Competitiveness: A more skilled workforce will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage, particularly in the burgeoning fields of Robotics and AI.

The federal government’s commitment to training 500,000 youths in Robotics and AI represents a strategic move towards building a future-ready workforce. This initiative not only addresses current employment challenges but also sets the foundation for sustained economic development and innovation in Nigeria.