Data Science Nigeria (DSN) has successfully concluded its 7th Annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp at the University of Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to shaping Africa’s AI landscape through an intensive, fully residential, all-expenses-paid experience.
The bootcamp welcomed 200 participants from 34 states, selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 36,000 applicants.
By supporting participants’ travel to Lagos, Data Science Nigeria underscored its dedication to inclusivity, ensuring access to AI education for across Nigeria.
With collaboration from Microsoft, the bootcamp featured 26 world-class experts from top institutions such as Microsoft, Google DeepMind, ESRI, NVIDIA, Mastercard Foundation, JP Morgan, Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC Holding, Boston University, and Stanford University who shared cutting-edge insights on Responsible AI, cloud computing, Geospatial AI, and machine learning fundamentals.
Renowned speakers included Dr. Elaine O. Nsoesie, who led a masterclass on research best practices, and Dr. Stephen Odaibo, who conducted a hands-on session on the mathematics of machine learning.
Representatives from 38 independent learning hubs across Nigeria joined the bootcamp, equipping them to extend these learnings within their local communities and furthering the program’s impact nationwide.
Reflecting on the vision for the bootcamp’s legacy, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, DSN’s founder and CEO, concluded his presentation by urging participants to see themselves as ambassadors of the knowledge gained, encouraging them to “allow the cycle of benevolence to continue, as they were freely given, and freely they should give back.”
This message emphasized Data Science Nigeria (DSN’s) core values of collaborative growth and societal impact.
Speaking at the Bootcamp, Dr. Nnanna Orieke, principal program manager at Microsoft, representing Olatomiwa Williams, country director, highlighted AI’s dual impact:
“While 75% of knowledge workers using AI find value in saved time and focus, many still fear job replacement. Leaders seek AI-ready teams but struggle to build these skills, leaving self-driven learners to bridge the gap,” Williams said.
Recognizing this need, Microsoft partners with Organizations to equip more people with advanced skills.
The bootcamp concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating both institutional and individual excellence.
Olabisi Onabanjo University received the prestigious “AI School of the Year” award, sponsored by Boaz Integrated Energy, along with a $1,000 grant to establish a mini-AI library, promoting ongoing AI education.
Boaz Integrated Energy, a leading Oil and Gas organization specializing in advanced, technology-enabled solutions for production and reservoir management, also sponsored the “Mr. & Ms. Algorithm of the Year” awards, providing each recipient with #200,000 to recognize their exceptional skill and potential.
Additional awards included recognitions for Best Academic Posters, Best Hackathon, and Best Project Participation across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, each rewarded with a Microsoft-sponsored certification voucher valued at $155.
These certifications further enhance participants’ professional credentials, contributing to their future career opportunities.
Participants also engaged in a high-impact hackathon, applying their knowledge to real-world problems and developing solutions with large-scale potential.
DSN’s startup, EqualyzAI, presented groundbreaking work in localizing large language models for African languages, highlighting AI’s role in driving local solutions and digital inclusion.
With recruitment teams from top organizations on-site, participants accessed immediate career opportunities, reinforcing the bootcamp’s position as a critical bridge into the AI workforce.
With over 900,000 AI enthusiasts trained and a robust partnership with Microsoft, Data Science Nigeria remains at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
This 7th AI Bootcamp embodies DSN’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive AI future, positioning African talent to lead in the global AI arena.
