Nigeria’s Bosun Tijani Makes TIME100 AI List Alongside Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has earned a prestigious spot on the 2025 TIME100 AI list, joining global tech giants such as Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg.

This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Tijani but also a major win for Nigeria’s technology and innovation space.

TIME highlighted his leadership of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a government-backed initiative designed to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills by 2027.

So far, nearly 300,000 Nigerians have already been trained across online platforms and 220 in-person learning centres nationwide. Graduates of the programme are being supported with job placements through collaborations with partners like the United Nations–European Union, Awarri, and other tech companies providing internships and employment opportunities.

The 3MTT Programme at a Glance
The 3MTT project is central to Tijani’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a global hub for digital talent. With support from Microsoft Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa Foundation, and others, the programme equips young Nigerians with skills in AI, cybersecurity, data science, software development, and other high-demand fields.

In partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), the ministry also launched the 3MTT–DBN Annual Entrepreneurship Training Programme, helping fellows and digital entrepreneurs gain access to knowledge, mentorship, and funding to grow sustainable businesses.

Beyond talent development, Tijani has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, developed with input from over 150 local experts, to promote responsible AI innovation. TIME noted his emphasis on building AI datasets and infrastructure tailored to Nigerian realities, ensuring that global AI development reflects African contexts.

Additionally, the Minister is spearheading projects to expand Nigeria’s digital backbone, including the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables with support from the World Bank and other partners to boost connectivity across the country.


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At Updatevilla, we celebrate this achievement as a landmark for Nigeria’s digital future. Bosun Tijani’s recognition on the TIME100 AI list shows that with the right vision, Nigeria can stand tall in the global tech arena.

Stay with us for more updates on how Nigeria is shaping the future of technology and innovation.