Microsoft has announced a major expansion of its digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills programmes in Nigeria, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building a future-ready workforce and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

The expansion was disclosed on Tuesday in Lagos during a media roundtable by Microsoft’s Director for Government Affairs in West Africa, Nonye Ujam. She revealed that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are already benefiting from Microsoft’s various skills initiatives, cutting across students, developers, and public sector professionals.

According to Ujam, about 350,000 Nigerians have so far participated in Microsoft’s specialised student-focused programmes. Out of this number, 63,000 have successfully completed specific training pathways, while 43,000 have earned globally recognised certifications. She described the figures as a strong indication of Nigeria’s determination to remain competitive in the global digital space.

Building on this progress, Microsoft plans to train an additional 350,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence skills. Ujam explained that this forms part of the company’s broader National Skills Initiative, which aims to upskill five million Nigerians in critical digital competencies. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School.

She noted that Microsoft’s approach goes beyond basic digital literacy, with a strong focus on preparing developers and technical professionals for the future of work. By strengthening the pipeline of technical talent, Microsoft hopes to help Nigeria harness AI and emerging technologies for innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

One of Microsoft’s key partners, the Dean of Lagos Business School, Mrs Olayinka David-West, highlighted the impact of the collaboration on public sector leadership. She disclosed that 99 leaders from 58 government agencies have already been trained under the programme, equipping them with practical knowledge on AI adoption, governance, and risk management.

David-West stressed that digital skills development must extend beyond technical expertise to include ethical considerations, safety, and responsible use of technology. She said participants were trained to ask critical questions about how AI can be deployed to improve areas such as access to credit, public service delivery, and agricultural value chains.

She also pointed out that a significant number of Nigerian graduates still lack relevant digital skills, making initiatives like Microsoft’s essential for improving workforce readiness. According to her, AI skills are no longer optional but have become a core requirement for national competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Microsoft’s expanded training efforts underscore the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. As the country positions itself as a major player in Africa’s technology ecosystem, initiatives like these are expected to play a crucial role in empowering citizens, strengthening institutions and unlocking new economic opportunities.