Digital, AI Skills From Google For Nigerians.
Google rolls out a free online learning platform on which Nigerians can pick up AI and other technology competencies, with no need for an internet connection
Under the programme, Google intends to equip three million Africans with skills by 2030, and 250,000 of them are due to complete their courses before 2026 closes.
Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, made the announcement in a statement issued on Monday.
Google Africa's Managing Director's Speech
Mr Alex Okosi, Google Africa's Managing Director, stated that the continent needs a larger pool of people able to build, use and create new things with AI technologies.
In his words, Africa has a major chance to influence where AI goes next, provided more people can get hold of the right digital skills.
He added that the scheme would open up digital education to more people and let a greater number of Africans take part in the online economy.
“The programme is aimed at equipping three million people with digital and AI skills by 2030, with an initial target of 250,000 graduates by the end of 2026,” he said.
According to Okosi, the new initiative extends earlier Google work, which has already seen over seven million young people across Africa finish basic digital training.
He described Skilling Africa with Google as a single platform that pulls together upwards of 15 training programmes spanning a range of digital fields.
Digital AI Skills To Be Taught
Participants will be taught:
- AI skills
- Cybersecurity and the cloud
- Analysing data
- Marketing online and
- Building up small enterprises.
Okosi noted that the platform has been built with learners in mind who struggle with weak internet connections or who find mobile data expensive.
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Easy Access To Learning Materials
“Users can download lessons through Wi-Fi and subsequently access the learning materials offline without incurring additional mobile data costs,” he said.
He further stated that basic, low-cost phones and notebook computers can run it, and that nobody needs to install a separate app to use it.
Also folded into the learning hub is Google's Hustle Academy, a training offering aimed at owners of small businesses.
The platform also offers Google Career Certificates aimed at people who want to start a career in IT support, data analytics or cybersecurity.
Developers looking to build up their technical abilities can also get access to Google Cloud Skills courses.
Introducing SCOUT
According to Okosi, the platform also includes SCOUT, a study companion powered by AI and built to assist learners.
He said SCOUT is able to explain concepts that are new to a user, respond to questions and help people plan their study timetables.
Users can monitor how far they have come and, on finishing courses, collect verifiable badges to show to potential employers or clients.
For now the platform works in English, Swahili and Arabic, with more African languages, Hausa among them, on the way.
According to Okosi, joining the programme is free, and it is open to anyone across Africa, whether a student, a job seeker, an entrepreneur or a developer.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), anyone interested in joining can sign up through the platform at skillingafrica.withgoogle.com.
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