A landmark collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union is set to give Nigeria cutting-edge expertise in embedded AI. The partnership is poised to revolutionize the country’s technological landscape and empower a new generation of innovators. The EU Erasmus Program, officially launched during a recent workshop at the Centre for Information and Telecommunications, University of Portharcourt, marks a significant step towards bridging the skill gap and unlocking the potentials of this transformative technology. Professor Bourdillon Omije, Director of the Centre and national coordinator for the project, highlights the program’s core objective to be a partnership with the EU to build human capacity in embedded AI. Five foremost universities in the country – Obafemi Awolowo University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Abuja, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and University of Portharcourt – are collaborating to offer a Master’s degree program. The choice of the universities is to ensure a geographically diverse reach and comprehensive knowledge dissemination within the country. There was an intensive faculty training workshop that served to lay the groundwork for a robust academic framework. “This training equips our faculty with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the program effectively,†Omije stated, adding that graduates will emerge with technical expertise in modeling, design, and analysis, and in addition an entrepreneurial mindset that will allow them to transform their ideas into marketable products. Funding for the program, secured through an EU grant, has a three-year lifespan. However, the program has a robust sustainability plan which includes student scholarships, self-financing options and external grants. “We are committed to fostering transparency and ensuring that deserving students have access to financial support,†Omije added. Dr. Dan Onwuchekwa, International Coordinator, shedding light on the program’s broader vision said, “We’re addressing two major issues – graduate employability and the lack of industries. By equipping graduates with the skills and entrepreneurial spirit to turn their ideas into products, we can create jobs and drive economic growth.â€