The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised the Imo State Government’s Skill-Up Imo Programme as a model for advancing Nigeria’s artificial intelligence (AI) agenda, describing it as a leading example of how sub-national governments can drive national digital transformation through investments in skills and innovation.
The recognition is contained in UNESCO’s Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report, supported by the European Union, which assessed Nigeria’s preparedness for AI adoption across five critical areas – legal and regulatory frameworks, social and cultural factors, scientific and educational capacity, economic conditions, and technological infrastructure.
The report identified digital skills and workforce development as the most critical factors for the successful adoption of AI, stressing that technology can only deliver meaningful impact when citizens possess the knowledge and skills to use and develop it.
UNESCO’s Officer-in-Charge in Abuja, Dimitri Sanga, said the assessment provides a roadmap for implementing the organisation’s global recommendations on ethical AI, ensuring that technological advancement remains people-centred.
According to him, “This assessment helps Nigeria apply UNESCO’s global guidelines on ethical AI, ensuring that technology serves people rather than the other way around,” adding that successful initiatives at the state level demonstrate how policy objectives can be translated into tangible opportunities for citizens.
Among initiatives implemented across the country, UNESCO singled out Imo State’s Skill-Up Imo Programme as a notable success story, saying it demonstrates how state governments can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s AI ambitions through strategic investments in digital skills, innovation and human capital development.
The programme, introduced by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration, was established to equip young people with the skills required to compete in the global digital economy through training in artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, data analytics and cloud computing.
UNESCO noted that tens of thousands of young people have already acquired digital competencies through the initiative, positioning them for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the global technology ecosystem.
The report also highlighted complementary projects supporting the initiative, including the Imo Digital City, conceived as a hub for technology training, innovation, research and manufacturing, as well as Digital Learning Centres established across the state to promote accessible learning and collaboration.
In addition to technical training, the programme provides mentorship and incubation support aimed at helping young innovators transform their ideas into sustainable businesses, thereby promoting job creation and technology-driven enterprise.
Reacting to the recognition, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, described the programme as a deliberate effort to prepare young Nigerians for the future.
“We are building a generation equipped with technical, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills required to compete globally,” Amadi said, adding that the initiative extends beyond skills acquisition to creating an enabling environment for innovation and economic growth.
“Beyond training, we are creating an ecosystem that supports innovation, talent development, job creation, and technology-driven enterprise. Our goal is to produce not only technology users but innovators and solution providers who can contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy and Africa’s AI future,” he said.
Amadi further stated that UNESCO’s endorsement validates the state’s investment in human capital development.
“The UNESCO report reinforces the importance of human capital in achieving meaningful AI adoption. By equipping thousands of young people with future-ready digital skills, Skill-Up Imo is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s AI ecosystem, expand inclusion, and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth,” he added.
The UNESCO report gave Nigeria an overall AI readiness score of 47.9, noting that the country has made significant progress in governance, digital infrastructure and innovation, while emerging as one of Africa’s promising AI markets through growing investments, research institutions, technology hubs, start-ups and public sector initiatives such as Skill-Up Imo.
The organisation said the recognition of the Imo initiative underscores the importance of investing in people alongside technology and strengthens the state’s growing reputation as a centre for digital innovation and a key contributor to the implementation of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
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