Lagos, Nigeria - In a significant move to equip young Nigerians with future-ready creative skills, O2 Academy Lagos has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education to launch a major training initiative focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Filmmaking and Mobile Content Creation.

The programme, flagged off recently at the O2 Academy Lagos, Ojota, is part of the Federal Government's Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS–TVET) project, which is powered by the World Bank.

Bridging Traditional Skills with Future Tech

This collaboration is set to train 100 unemployed youths in the cutting-edge intersection of creativity and technology. The initiative represents a critical effort to integrate AI into the core of content production and storytelling within Nigeria's creative and film industry, popularly known as Nollywood.

• Training Focus: AI Filmmaking and Mobile Content Creation.

• Target Group: 100 unemployed youths.

• Program Structure: The six-month program includes three months of hands-on instruction followed by three months of compulsory industry internship.

• Support: Trainees will receive stipends and starter packs during the program.

'A Game Changer for Nollywood'

Speaking at the flag-off event, Ucher Ozor, Associate Provost at O2 Academy, described the initiative as a landmark moment.

"Today marked the flag off of a landmark event in Nigeria, this is the first time we are organizing an AI training to empower Nigerian youth on how they can be relevant in the fourth Industrial revolution... ¹We intend to bring 100 out of the 75,000 [youths targeted by the IDEAS-TVET project] up-skill them with AI and mobile content video creation."

Industry veterans have lauded the program. Victor Okhai, a former President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), praised the training, calling it a "game changer" for Nollywood and the creative ecosystem. He highlighted that the focus on AI is crucial for a sector that can rival oil in economic impact.

Empowerment for Global Competitiveness

The partnership aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing employability and the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerian youths. By focusing on AI, the program aims to provide creators with tools that democratize access to high-quality filmmaking, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage without the limitation of expensive traditional equipment.

The Federal Government remains dedicated to ensuring every participant becomes employable or self-employed after completing the intensive training.