Problem Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world, powering innovations in healthcare, finance, education, robotics, and climate solutions. Yet, in Nigeria, a critical gap exists in AI education and awareness among young people.

Reports from the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR, NITDA 2023) highlight this gap, underscoring how limited exposure prevents Nigerian youths from fully participating in or shaping the global AI revolution. Research by Adebiyi et al. (2022) further stresses the urgent need for targeted AI education programs in Africa to ensure the continent leverages AI as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
Without deliberate intervention, Nigerian students risk being left behind in the future of work and innovation.

Our Response: The AI Revolution Youth Project
To address this challenge, SiidAfrica with support from Coappt launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Revolution Youth Project in 2024. This initiative was designed to spark curiosity, develop skills, and connect young Nigerians with opportunities in AI.

Goal:
To develop a sustainable pipeline of AI-literate youth who can design, build, and scale responsible AI solutions that drive socio-economic transformation in Nigeria.

Objectives:
1. Build foundational AI awareness and literacy at scale across Nigerian youth.
2. Develop practical and technical skills through structured training and mentorship.
3. Incubate youth-led AI innovations and support their transition into viable enterprises.
4. Strengthen partnerships among government, academia, and industry to sustain AI talent development.

Core Components
1. AI Revolution Academy
A three-tier learning pathway that builds progressively from awareness to technical expertise:
– Foundation Level: Introduction to AI concepts.
– Intermediate Level: Hands-on training on AI tools, ethics, and productivity.
– Advanced Level: 12-week technical training in Machine Learning, and AI deployment.

2. AI Revolution Incubation Program
Transforms training outcomes into innovation and entrepreneurship:
– Bootcamp (3 days): Training in non tech skills like design thinking, leadership, pitching etc.
– Mentorship & Product Development (2 months): Guided incubation and prototype development for selected team members.
– AI Revolution Youth Conference: National AI conversation and engagement with youths, youth leaders and stakeholders. Incubated teams get opportunity to pitch their solutions and get eligible for seed fundings.

Expected Outcomes (by 2031)
– 30,000+ youth trained across all six geopolitical zones.
– 180 AI-powered innovations incubated.
– 60 scalable AI-driven solutions developed.
– Strengthened youth participation in the digital and innovation economy.

Results So Far:
– 500+ secondary school students trained in Lagos, Oyo, and Ondo States
– 3,400+ young people actively engaged across Nigeria
– 600+ students trained in AI Campus Tour to five (5) higher institutions in Lagos;
University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka
Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo
Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin
Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Yaba
– 60 undergraduate students trained in a 3-day AI Bootcamp in partnership with American corner, Ikeja, Tech4Dev, and Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation
– 40 youths participated in the AI incubation program, developing AI-powered solutions to Nigeria’s societal challenges.

You can check out pictures from previous trainings here https://siidafrica.pixieset.com/airevolution/