Nigeria partners Commonwealth to boost youth employment, tech development

Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, is collaborating with the Commonwealth to address unemployment through a capacity-building initiative by the Commonwealth AI Academy, aimed at training millions of Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence.

This announcement was made in a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Felix Ale on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji engaged in a high-level bilateral meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America, to facilitate the partnership.

The Commonwealth is an association of 56 countries working toward shared goals of prosperity, democracy, and peace. The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that coordinates and implements much of the Commonwealth’s work, supported by a network of over 80 organisations.

The Commonwealth AI Academy, a flagship project of the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium supported by Intel, focuses on delivering specialised AI courses tailored for various sectors.

Nnaji stated, “This partnership with the Commonwealth and Intel will enable millions of Nigerians to gain practical, industry-ready AI knowledge, positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI adoption and innovation across Africa.”

L-R: Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji in New York.

He noted that this initiative comes at a critical time, as Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, up from 5.0 per cent in Q3 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS report further indicated that the unemployment rate among youth aged 15-24 years stands at 8.4 per cent, highlighting the urgent need for effective skill development programs.

According to Nnaji, the AI Academy aims to enhance the use of AI in governance, agriculture, and healthcare.

He added that this initiative supports the Commonwealth’s broader goals of creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital space for its citizens.

Nnaji emphasised that the AI Academy intends to address various developmental challenges, including climate change and public health, by providing marginalised communities with accessible training.

The AI Academy aims to enhance the use of AI in governance, agriculture, and healthcare

Scotland commended Nigeria’s leadership in the Commonwealth and reiterated the importance of AI in driving sustainable development.

“The Commonwealth AI Academy will not only create a new generation of AI professionals but also ensure that knowledge and resources are utilized to tackle pressing global challenges, benefiting the entire Commonwealth,” she said.

The Secretary-General also highlighted that this collaboration would lay the groundwork for AI awareness and literacy across Commonwealth countries, enabling them to better utilize technology for socio-economic advancement.

Nnaji reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable practices under the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter.

He noted, “Nigeria’s ongoing agricultural reforms integrate advanced technologies such as Enhanced Rock Weathering and biochar to improve soil health and increase crop yields,” aligning these efforts with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

He hinted that discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in the upcoming COP29 conference, where the country aims to showcase innovative, tech-driven solutions to climate challenges.

According to the statement, both leaders expressed their commitment to collaborating in promoting sustainable technologies across Commonwealth nations.

The minister assured that as Nigeria embraces this partnership with the Commonwealth, it stands to transform its workforce by aligning educational initiatives with the growing demand for technological expertise.

Through partnerships with international organisations and the private sector, the Ministry focuses on building the capacity of Nigerians

With 14.4 per cent of youth currently not in education, employment, or training, the minister emphasised that this initiative presents a vital opportunity to redirect young Nigerians into productive avenues, thereby contributing to economic resilience and growth.

Nnaji reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable development in Nigeria.

“The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology remains dedicated to driving Nigeria’s sustainable development through strategic applications of science and technology, positioning the country as a leader in the global tech landscape,” he added.

“Through partnerships with international organisations and the private sector, the Ministry focuses on building the capacity of Nigerians in emerging technologies such as AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Its mission is to foster a tech-driven economy that ensures inclusive growth, enhances environmental sustainability, and creates job opportunities for all Nigerians,” he noted.