Google, FG Launch AI Skills Campus for Nigerian Public Servants
Google.org, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has launched the Apolitical Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus, a global learning platform designed to equip Nigerian public servants with practical AI skills for improved governance and service delivery.
The initiative, announced on Thursday in Abuja, aims to build capacity among civil servants and support the integration of artificial intelligence into government processes. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the AI Campus will offer hands-on training, expert-led sessions, and digital tools to help public sector workers understand and apply AI in their daily operations.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda and underscores the importance of AI in driving productivity across all sectors.
“We are investing in our civil servants to make AI something that feels natural to them,” Tijani said.
“AI can help us shorten administrative processes and improve how we deliver services to Nigerians. That’s why this partnership with Google is so important.”
Speaking on Google’s motivation, Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, said supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future.
“By working closely with government leaders and practitioners, we’ll share the technical resources and knowledge that empower them to deliver better, more efficient public services,” Balogun said.
He added that AI could help communities across Nigeria access smarter solutions, achieve better social outcomes, and foster inclusion in an increasingly digital economy.
Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, described the initiative as a “pioneering effort” that will prepare Nigeria’s public sector to lead with confidence in the digital age.
“This training is a cornerstone for successful AI adoption in government,” Ferguson said. “It will help build a strong AI ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and social development.”
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for West Africa, highlighted research from Apolitical showing that while 72% of government leaders globally are experimenting with AI, more than half still lack a clear strategy for its adoption.
He noted that every dollar invested in AI could generate over eight dollars in economic value, stressing the need for a skilled public service to harness this potential.
Public servants who enroll in the AI Campus will gain access to tailored online courses on AI fundamentals, leadership, and ethics. They will also join a global community of government peers to exchange best practices and insights on AI applications in governance.
The initiative marks another milestone in Nigeria’s growing embrace of AI as a tool for innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth in public administration.
