The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Bosun Tijani Foundation, has unveiled a six-month Gen AI Fellowship Programme for young Nigerian developers.
The Gen AI Fellowship, was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on his X page, on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
“Apply for the Gen AI Fellowship Programme, a six-month initiative – organised by the Ogun State Government @OGSG_Official and sponsored by the ‘Bosun Tijani Foundation – designed to equip aspiring developers with world-class AI skills,” Dr. Tijani said in the post.
Application Process and Eligibility
According to the Minister, the fellowship will deliver an intensive curriculum that combines both theoretical foundations and real-world applications of AI.
All selected participants will receive monthly stipends throughout the six-month programme. The goal, according to the organisers, is to position participants for international competitiveness in AI development and innovation.
Applications for the Gen AI Fellowship are now open, and all interested applicants can apply via the official portal.
The application process involves two key steps:
1. NIN Verification – All applicants must verify their National Identification Number (NIN) as the first stage.
2. Registration – Upon successful verification, candidates will complete the registration form outlining their background, qualifications, and motivation for joining the programme.
Part of a Broader National Strategy on AI and Digital Skills
Dr. Bosun Tijani has championed a number of digital transformation initiatives since assuming office. The launch of the Gen AI Fellowship is part of a broader national agenda under President Bola Tinubu to position Nigeria as a hub for AI development.
In December 2024, the government launched a free AI Academy in partnership with Intel and the Commonwealth Secretariat. The academy offers self-paced courses in AI fundamentals, tools, alongside internship and ambassador opportunities with Intel.
To bridge the growing digital divide, Nigeria’s Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has also teamed up with U.S.-based SBTS Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to create new Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hubs.
The partnership, which began with pilot campuses in Enugu and Kano, aims to prepare Nigerian youth for roles in digital service delivery, a sector expected to expand rapidly over the next five years.
Shaping Nigeria’s AI Future
According to experts, the Gen AI Fellowship is part of a strategic shift to ensure Nigeria doesn’t just consume AI technologies from abroad but becomes a producer of its own.
By investing in home-grown talent, Ogun State and the Bosun Tijani Foundation are laying the groundwork for a future where Nigerian developers contribute meaningfully to global AI innovation.
With applications now open, the fellowship offers an opportunity for aspiring tech minds to gain world-class training, earn a stipend, and take their first steps toward becoming leaders in Africa’s AI revolution.
Talking Points
At Techparley, we see the launch of the Gen AI Fellowship by the Ogun State Government and the Bosun Tijani Foundation as a strategic move to democratise access to artificial intelligence education in Nigeria.
This six-month programme stands out not only for its world-class curriculum, which blends theory with real-world AI applications, but also for its inclusiveness, offering monthly stipends to young developers eager to build future-proof skills.
In a country where many aspiring tech talents are locked out of opportunity due to cost or geography, initiatives like this have the potential to rewrite the narrative.
The fellowship adds to a growing national momentum, alongside the AI Academy launched with Intel and the Commonwealth Secretariat, aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for global innovation roles.
However, the long-term success of the Gen AI Fellowship will depend on how well it connects learning to opportunity, through mentorship, employment pathways, and continued ecosystem support.
If scaled effectively, this programme could be a blueprint for inclusive, future-ready talent development not just in Nigeria, but across Africa’s emerging digital economy.
