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By: Nana Theresa Timothy
In a landmark move set to reshape Nigeria’s digital workforce, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Learn2Earn have announced a strategic partnership to train one million Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineers over the next decade. The ambitious initiative is designed to position Nigeria as a leading hub for AI talent development in Africa and beyond.
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Learn2Earn’s Chief Executive Officer, Kesiah Valkin, formally sealed the partnership during a courtesy visit to DBI President, David Daser, at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja. During the meeting, both leaders outlined their shared vision. As a result, the engagement launched a transformative collaboration that strongly aligns with national digital capacity-building efforts.
Leveraging Infrastructure for Immediate Impact
The partnership has moved swiftly from vision to execution. Already, the programme has enrolled 750 participants in its first cohort, with DBI hosting 95 of them at its Abuja campus. In addition, DBI’s modern infrastructure strengthens the initiative and supports plans to scale it nationwide.
Meanwhile, Learn2Earn’s Chairman, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, emphasized that DBI’s facilities and strong track record in digital capacity development position the Institute as an ideal partner for such an ambitious project.
“The whole idea for us is a realization that we are at an interesting point in history, and DBI always enables us at those moments,” Aboyeji said.
Furthermore, he pointed to the global shift toward artificial intelligence and stressed the urgent need for countries to build large pools of highly skilled professionals who can compete in the global economy.
The globe is turning towards artificial intelligence, and industries now demand new skills. Over the next 10 years, we plan to build a strong base of AI engineering talent. We aim to train one million AI engineers. It is a bold vision that aligns with the present administration’s 3MTT programme. AI is a global phenomenon, and it gives us opportunities to collaborate with partners like DBI and others.” Aboyeji
Aligning with Nigeria’s 3MTT Programme
The partnership aligns closely with the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to equip millions of Nigerians with digital and technical skills. By focusing specifically on Artificial Intelligence, DBI and Learn2Earn are targeting one of the most transformative and in-demand technology sectors globally.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly redefining industries, from healthcare and agriculture to finance, manufacturing, and public administration. Nations investing heavily in AI talent development are positioning themselves for economic growth, innovation leadership, and increased global competitiveness.
By committing to train one million AI engineers, DBI and Learn2Earn are not only contributing to workforce development but also laying the groundwork for Nigeria to become a key player in the global AI economy.
A Shared Vision for Digital Transformation
DBI’s Head of Special Duties, Viola Askia-Usoro, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote digital transformation and innovation.
She noted that both organizations share a common vision and strategic outlook for capacity development in emerging technologies.
“There are many aspects of DBI you can leverage to make the programme successful and utilize our resources and facilities. We basically have the same vision. It is going to be the beginning of an interesting partnership,” she said.
Askia-Usoro further assured the Learn2Earn team that DBI would assess its readiness and facilities to ensure full alignment and effective programme execution.
Building a Sustainable AI Talent Pipeline
Training one million AI engineers over ten years goes beyond setting a numerical target. It reflects a clear commitment to building a sustainable AI talent pipeline. The initiative will focus on practical, industry-relevant skills. These include machine learning, data science, AI systems design, and other emerging specializations.
The use of DBI’s established training infrastructure provides a strong platform for nationwide rollout. With campuses and facilities designed to support technical education, the Institute is well-positioned to host cohorts, facilitate hands-on learning, and collaborate with industry stakeholders.
Beyond technical training, the programme is also expected to open pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven startups, further strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
Towards Formalization and Expansion
While the partnership has already commenced operational activities, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed soon between DBI and Learn2Earn. The MoU will outline the framework for collaboration, resource deployment, and long-term implementation strategy.
The scale and ambition of the initiative reflect a growing recognition that artificial intelligence is not merely a trend but a defining force of the 21st-century economy. Countries that fail to invest in AI talent risk falling behind in global competitiveness.
For Nigeria, this partnership represents an opportunity to harness its youthful population and transform demographic potential into digital advantage.
A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
As global demand for AI expertise continues to surge, this partnership between DBI and Learn2Earn marks a potential turning point for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. By combining strong infrastructure, clear strategic vision, and alignment with national policy, both organizations are laying a solid foundation for long-term impact.
More importantly, the programme will not only equip individuals with future-ready skills but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global technology landscape.
Now, DBI and Learn2Earn have begun the journey to train one million AI engineers, a bold move that could define the next decade of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
