Federal Government Opens Applications for Free Microsoft AI Skills Programme for Women in Nigeria
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
The Federal Government has opened applications for the 2026 Microsoft AI Skills Programme for Women, a free capacity-building initiative designed to equip women across Nigeria with practical artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills for the future of work.
The programme, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Microsoft and Founderz, aims to expand access to AI education and empower more Nigerian women to take advantage of opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, businesses, and workplaces, digital literacy is becoming an essential skill rather than a competitive advantage. However, women remain underrepresented in many technology-related fields, making initiatives like this important in closing the gender gap and ensuring more inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Through this programme, participants will gain practical knowledge of artificial intelligence and how it can be applied in everyday work, business, education, and innovation.
About the Programme
The Microsoft AI Skills Programme for Women is a free online learning initiative designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence while providing hands-on knowledge that can improve productivity, creativity, and career opportunities.
The training is delivered virtually, allowing participants to learn from anywhere in Nigeria at their own pace.
Successful participants will receive a certificate upon completion, while top-performing learners may also become eligible for additional AI learning opportunities and advanced scholarship programmes.
What Participants Will Learn
The programme covers a wide range of introductory and practical AI topics, including:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Understanding Generative AI
- Prompt Engineering
- AI Productivity Tools
- Responsible and Ethical Use of AI
- Data Literacy and Digital Skills
- Practical Applications of AI in Business and Everyday Work
- Emerging AI Trends and Future Career Opportunities
The curriculum is designed to ensure that even individuals without a technical background can successfully understand and apply AI concepts.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to women across Nigeria who are interested in developing digital and AI skills.
The programme welcomes:
- Students
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Professionals seeking to improve their digital skills
- Job seekers
- Career changers
- Women interested in technology and innovation
- Beginners with little or no previous AI experience
No advanced technical knowledge is required, making the programme accessible to women from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Why This Programme Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most influential technologies shaping global economies. From healthcare and education to agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and public services, AI is changing how people work and solve problems.
Despite this growth, women continue to face barriers to accessing technology education and digital career opportunities. Expanding access to AI training helps bridge this gap by providing women with relevant skills that can improve employability, support entrepreneurship, increase productivity, and encourage innovation.
Programmes such as this also contribute to Nigeria’s broader efforts to build a digitally inclusive economy where more citizens are equipped to participate in emerging industries and future jobs.
Benefits of Participating
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn highly sought-after AI skills at no cost
- Gain practical knowledge that can be applied in work and business
- Improve digital literacy and workplace productivity
- Earn a certificate upon successful completion
- Join a growing community of women learning AI
- Become eligible for advanced AI learning opportunities and scholarships for outstanding performance
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the online application before the deadline. Applicants should ensure that all required information is submitted accurately during the application process. Apply Here
The programme is expected to attract applications from women across different sectors who are looking to improve their digital capabilities and prepare for the opportunities emerging in the AI-powered economy.
As demand for AI skills continues to rise globally, initiatives like the Microsoft AI Skills Programme for Women provide an important pathway for Nigerian women to build relevant competencies, enhance their careers, and contribute meaningfully to innovation and national development.
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