China, Nigeria Partner to Train Youths in Key AI Skills

The Global South Research Centre at Soochow University in China, working alongside partners in Nigeria, has officially launched the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Cooperation Alliance (NAISCA). The new initiative aims to equip students and young people across the country with essential AI skills.

Speaking during the launch event in Abuja on Friday, the programme’s coordinator, Mr. Wenkang Lyu, said the collaboration—formed with several Nigerian universities and youth-focused organisations—would deliver AI training while supporting sustainable development efforts across Global South nations.

Lyu, who is a researcher with the Soochow University Think Tank, explained that the project would help introduce modern AI technologies and build practical experience that strengthens the career prospects of young people.

“At today’s event, we are unveiling the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Cooperation Alliance (NAISCA), in partnership with the Global South Youth Development Alliance (GSYDA). This isn’t simply the start of a programme; it represents a strategic step forward for Global South countries as we prepare young people for the realities of the digital age,” he said.

He stressed that both China and Nigeria face a shared challenge: the fast-growing gap in digital skills among young people.
“Youths are the driving force of economic growth,” he noted. “If we fall behind in digital capacity building, our economic resilience and innovation strength will be threatened.”

Lyu added that collaborations like this could help break down barriers to opportunity and build a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Xi Yang, General Manager of the Nigerian branch of China International Services Group Limited, described the initiative as a major advancement in China–Nigeria relations—particularly in education and technology. He said the partnership reflects the shared ambition of both countries to build a stronger digital future.

He added that China International Services Group Limited has long supported friendly ties between both nations and would continue working toward a sustainable, mutually beneficial framework for digital cooperation.

Prof. Eugene Okoye, Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State, praised the initiative as timely. He described artificial intelligence as the future of global development and emphasized its importance to Nigerian universities. He expressed hope that the programme would be effectively implemented and noted that AI education could even help strengthen national security.

Dr. Arome Salifu, Executive Director of the African Youth Growth Foundation, also highlighted the value of the project. He said it offers young Nigerians a pathway to new opportunities, pointing out that China’s advancements over the past three decades demonstrate how far a country can progress when it embraces technology.

Salifu stated that young people who master AI tools would be better equipped to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, drive innovation, reduce costs, and transform key sectors like education and healthcare. He reaffirmed his organisation’s support for the programme, adding that youths had already been mobilised to participate.