By Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has earned global acclaim by joining the prestigious 2025 TIME100 AI list alongside industry giants like Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
Tijani oversees a transformative effort, famously known as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, designed to train three million Nigerians with vital technical expertise by 2027. Launched under his stewardship, this ambitious endeavor harnesses a blend of online and face-to-face training centers, having already equipped nearly 300,000 individuals across the country with cutting-edge skills in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software development.
The drive is bolstered by strategic partnerships with global and local organizations like Microsoft Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, and Airtel Africa Foundation, alongside support from international bodies including the United Nations-European Union. These alliances have enhanced opportunities for trainees by facilitating internships and job placements, cultivating a robust pipeline of tech talent ready to contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy.
Beyond skill-building, Tijani is spearheading Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, a comprehensive plan co-created with over 150 experts, to responsibly harness artificial intelligence for socio-economic growth. The strategy not only prioritizes ethical AI deployment but also emphasizes digitizing local realities to develop tailored datasets and infrastructures that reflect Nigerian contexts, advancing homegrown innovation.
His agenda further extends to expanding digital infrastructure, exemplified by a massive project deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables, funded in collaboration with the World Bank and other partners, to broaden connectivity nationwide. Tijani’s influence resonates on the international stage following his election as Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025, the first Nigerian to secure this role in nearly five decades.
Dr. Tijani stated that Nigeria may lack abundant computing infrastructure, but Nigeria’s greatest asset is their talent. He said that the program is not just about training; it is a catalyst to digitize Nigeria’s own reality and elevate the quality of AI systems that serve Nigerians. He also stressed Nigeria’s vision to build a $1 trillion digital economy, with collaboration from global partners and commitment at home.
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