Google.org partners with Apolitical to launch AI skills training for Nigerian public servants, boosting digital transformation across government sectors.

In a bold step to boost digital transformation within the Nigerian public sector, Google.org has unveiled Apolitical’s Government AI Campus, an advanced skills training platform designed to empower Nigerian public servants with practical knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI).

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The initiative, launched on Thursday in Abuja, is in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and aims to establish Nigeria as a global hub for AI excellence in governance.

Speaking at the event, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasised the government’s commitment to harnessing AI as a tool for boosting productivity and enhancing public service delivery.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity and the support from Google. AI will help our civil servants work smarter, faster, and more effectively,” Tijani said.

He added that Nigeria is investing in making AI “native” to its governance systems — ensuring that civil servants can use it to streamline administrative tasks and better serve citizens.

Representing Google West Africa, Olumide Balogun, the company’s regional director, explained that investing in civil servants is central to shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

“We are not only providing technical resources but sharing knowledge that empowers them to deliver better, more efficient government services,” Balogun said.

He noted that the AI Campus will help unlock smarter solutions, enhance inclusion, and promote better social outcomes through intelligent digital tools.

Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, described the AI Campus as a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping government leaders with the confidence and skills to lead Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“Structured training is the cornerstone of successful AI adoption in government,” Ferguson stated.
“The AI Campus will support civil servants in applying AI knowledge directly in their areas of governance.”

He also highlighted that the training is part of a broader series of initiatives by Apolitical and Google.org to expand internet access, strengthen local AI innovation, and promote digital education in Nigeria.

According to Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and PR Manager for West Africa, Apolitical’s research shows that although 72% of government leaders are running AI pilots, over half lack a comprehensive AI strategy.

“Every dollar invested in AI has the potential to generate over eight dollars in economic returns,” he said.

Public servants participating in the AI Campus will gain access to:

Government-specific online training on AI fundamentals and leadership
Expert-led events, toolkits, and policy frameworks
A global peer-learning community of government leaders using AI
Practical insights to integrate AI into their daily work and decision-making

The AI skills training for Nigerian public servants is expected to accelerate innovation, improve citizen services, and contribute to sustainable economic growth by building a digitally capable public workforce.

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The launch of the AI Campus reflects growing momentum around AI governance and Nigeria’s ambition to be a leader in responsible and inclusive AI adoption across Africa.