As the global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills continues to surge, many developing nations are grappling with how best to equip their youth for the future of work. In Nigeria, this challenge is especially urgent, given its booming youth population and rapidly evolving digital economy.
Recognizing this need, a dynamic coalition of global tech leaders and local innovators has come together to bridge the AI education gap. Their efforts culminated in a landmark moment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, as a new initiative was unveiled that promises to redefine the way Nigerian students and educators engage with AI.
In a powerful stride toward digital equity and technological advancement, NerdzFactory, in strategic partnership with Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, has officially launched the Experience AI programme in Nigeria—a transformative initiative set to redefine how artificial intelligence (AI) is taught and understood in Nigerian classrooms.
Unveiled at the NerdzFactory Headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, the launch drew key stakeholders from the education, technology, and public policy sectors, signalling a new era of AI literacy focused on inclusivity, creativity, and global competitiveness.
“This isn’t just a programme launch—it’s a bold step into the future,” said Motolani Folabi, Business and Operations Lead at NerdzFactory, representing Founding Partner Ade Olowojoba. “One where access to cutting-edge knowledge is no longer a privilege for a few, but a right for all.”
Transforming Classrooms: AI Literacy at Scale
The Experience AI programme is poised to train 3,150 secondary school teachers and impact over 157,000 students across Nigeria. Designed with inclusivity at its core, the initiative delivers beginner-friendly, culturally adaptable AI and machine learning resources, equipping both students and educators with foundational skills that will serve them in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
At its heart, the programme goes beyond teaching technical content. It emphasizes confidence-building, creativity, and ethical innovation, empowering a generation of students not just to consume technology—but to shape it.
“We believe that every young person, no matter where they come from, should have access to tools that allow them to create, innovate, and make ethical choices using technology,” said Katherine Leadbetter, Global Partnerships Manager at the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Global Collaboration, Local Impact
Originally designed for classrooms in the UK, the Experience AI curriculum has already seen over 500,000 downloads across 160 countries, reaching an estimated 1.6 million students. Its expansion into Nigeria marks a significant chapter in its global journey, underscored by strong local partnerships like NerdzFactory that provide contextual relevance and community engagement.
“Our partner network is critical,” Leadbetter explained. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the local expertise or cultural context to make real impact. Partners like NerdzFactory are not just delivering content—they are building a community of confident AI educators.”
Backed by Google.org and DeepMind, the initiative aligns with UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework, ensuring international standards in content delivery while prioritizing ethical and inclusive learning environments.
Google’s Vision: Scaling AI Education in West Africa
Speaking at the event, Adewolu Adene, Google’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for West Africa, emphasized the programme’s transformative potential and Google’s commitment to scaling AI education across Nigeria.
“We’re excited to work through this network to reach thousands of teachers in Southwest Nigeria,” Adene noted. “AI can feel like magic—but Experience AI makes it understandable, accessible, and exciting for young people.”
With over 8,300 educators already trained globally, Google’s support through DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation is laying the foundation for a new generation of AI-fluent problem solvers.
Government Endorsement: A Digital Leap for Nigeria’s Future
The Lagos State Government welcomed the initiative with open arms. Mr. Jimoh Wasiu, Director of Applications and Software Development at the Lagos Ministry of Science and Technology, and Mrs. Olatoju Ajoke, representing the Ministry of Education, both praised the Experience AI programme as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s education system.
“This is exactly what we need at this stage of our technological journey,” said Mr. Wasiu. “Introducing our children to AI is one of the best investments we can make for their future.”
Ajoke echoed this sentiment, describing the programme as a critical tool to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration—21st-century skills necessary for Nigeria to thrive in the digital economy.
Educators as Champions of the AI Revolution
Veteran STEM educator Mr. Solomon Ijishakin delivered a compelling call to action during a fireside chat at the launch event. Urging teachers to embrace AI with open minds, he emphasized that the success of AI integration in education rests largely on educator mindset and willingness to adapt.
“What used to take weeks, like grading assessments—I now do in minutes,” he shared. “AI is not here to replace teachers. It’s here to amplify their impact.”
He praised Experience AI for providing localized resources, ongoing support systems, and a growing educator community that fosters collaboration and sustained engagement—factors that are crucial for long-term impact.
A Movement, Not Just a Programme
The Experience AI initiative is more than a project—it is a movement for digital inclusion and empowerment. Through collaborative delivery models, real-time support, and robust content aligned with international best practices, the programme stands out as a game-changing leap toward democratizing access to AI education in Nigeria.
“This is how we reshape Nigeria’s digital future,” Olowojoba noted. “One student, one teacher, one classroom at a time.”
As it rolls out across multiple states in the coming months, the Experience AI programme is poised to create a generation of Nigerian youths who are not just digitally literate—but technologically visionary.
Final Word: Building a Future-Ready Nigeria
In an era where AI is reshaping industries, economies, and societies, the launch of the Experience AI programme in Nigeria sends a powerful message: Nigeria is not waiting on the sidelines of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is preparing to lead it.
With NerdzFactory at the helm of implementation, and with the steadfast support of Google DeepMind, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and the Lagos State Government, AI literacy is no longer a distant dream—it is a reality unfolding in Nigerian classrooms today.