The 2025 Bootcamp marked another defining milestone in DSN’s bold mission to train one million AI talents within ten years and position Africa as a global hub for inclusive and sustainable technological innovation.

This year’s edition attracted over 32,000 applications from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, a record that underscores the growing national appetite for AI capacity development and the trust DSN has earned as the continent’s foremost AI learning and research non-profit.

Through a rigorous multi-stage process that assessed technical aptitude, problem-solving potential, and collaborative mindset, only 150 of the most outstanding learners emerged as finalists and were invited to the fully residential, all-expenses-paid Bootcamp hosted at the University of Lagos.

The Bootcamp’s curriculum was designed to deliver an end-to-end learning experience that merged technical depth with social impact. Participants explored cutting-edge themes such as Generative and Agentic AI, Geospatial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Responsible AI.

The training followed a structured model that progressed from foundational sessions to advanced project development, enabling participants to transition quickly from concept to deployable prototypes with real-world relevance.

The approach reflected DSN’s enduring philosophy of “learning, building, and sharing,” ensuring that every participant not only gained world-class knowledge but also understood how to apply it toward solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.

The Bootcamp was powered by a strong coalition of global partners and industry leaders, including Microsoft, Meta, MTN, Google DeepMind, Boaz Integrated Energy, Hyperspace, NVIDIA, NitHub, EqualyzAI, TechCabal, Askya Investment, the Fintech Association of Nigeria, and the University of Lagos. These organizations brought together expertise, resources, and mentorship, making the programme a world-class experience.

In all, 32 renowned experts from across the globe facilitated technical and strategy sessions, drawing from institutions such as the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Mastercard Foundation, Access Holdings Plc, Interswitch Group, MTN, PwC, PIC, ARM, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, WorldPop, and the University of Southampton.

Among the high points of the Bootcamp were the masterclasses delivered by some of the most respected voices in technology and development.

Dr. Uyi Stewart, Chief Data and Technology Officer at Data.org, shared an inspiring keynote on “AI for Inclusive Growth,” emphasizing how data and technology can accelerate social progress.

Olubunmi Okunowo and Toyosi Odukoya led an engaging session on how open-source frameworks and Digital Public Infrastructure can enable national development and inclusive service delivery.

Dr. Chris Nnanatu’s presentation on “Powering Africa’s Growth with Location Intelligence” highlighted the transformative power of geospatial data for economic and environmental planning.

Collectively, these sessions underscored the thematic focus of this year’s Bootcamp, that Africa’s future in AI must be both inclusive and indigenous, built on solutions that reflect local realities and global best practices.

Beyond classroom learning, the participants participated in a high-impact Hackathon designed to convert theory into tangible solutions.

Working in multidisciplinary teams, the learners tackled real-world problems across healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion, and public service delivery sectors.

One of the most inspiring moments came from EqualyzAI, a DSN-incubated startup, which showcased its pioneering work on localizing Small Language Models (SLMs) for African languages.

The demonstration aligned with DSN’s ongoing work in AI for social good and reflected the broader vision of building equitable digital futures for Africa’s linguistically diverse population.

The Bootcamp culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating excellence, creativity, and community spirit.

The DSN Community at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) emerged as the AI School of the Year, a recognition sponsored by Boaz Integrated Energy and Hyperspace, and received a $1,000 grant to establish a mini AI library that will serve as a lasting legacy of continuous learning on campus.

Individual awards also highlighted exceptional performance: the Mr. & Ms. Algorithm Awards, sponsored by Microsoft, celebrated participants who demonstrated commitment and core values of DSN Community; Best Academic Poster, sponsored by Google DeepMind; Best Hackathon Project, sponsored by MTN Foundation; and Best Project Participation, also supported by Microsoft, all rewarded brilliance and consistency with tiered cash prizes.

In addition, every participant received a Microsoft-sponsored certification voucher, a tangible step that enhances employability and global recognition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Throughout the Bootcamp, industry partners played a visible role not only as sponsors but as co-educators, mentors, and advocates for inclusive innovation.

Their contributions underscored a shared belief that Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy depends on collective investment in human capital and home-grown innovation.

The partnership between DSN and Microsoft continued to provide the foundational bridge between learning and opportunity, through advanced skilling, access to certification, and exposure to real-world AI applications.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Data Science Nigeria’s founder and chief executive officer, reflected on the transformative journey of the AI Bootcamp since its inception.

He described the 2025 edition as reaffirming the belief that Africa’s future will not be imported but intelligently built by its people.

He urged participants to act as ambassadors of knowledge, extend the mentorship culture, and replicate the Bootcamp’s impact within their local communities.

“We have built not just coders but catalysts, people who will use AI to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges,” he said. “As you have freely received, freely give.”

The 8th Data Science Nigeria AI Bootcamp is a powerful testament to the potential of strategic collaboration, purposeful learning, and inclusive access.

It represents a generation of young innovators equipped with technical competence and a shared vision of using AI as a tool for national transformation and global relevance.

As the participants return to their campuses, startups, and communities, they carry the collective energy of an ecosystem determined to make AI work for all, ensuring that Africa’s intelligence revolution remains open, inclusive, and transformative.

Approved during the group’s Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on Thursday, the fund brings the company’s total dividend for 2024 to N2.50 per share.

Shareholders have commended the management for the group’s performance and strategic expansion.

Speaking during the meeting, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Access Holdings PLC stated that the group’s performance signifies the strength of its balance sheet, while also highlighting how it raised N315 billion through a rights issue from its capital raising programme.

He commended the improvement in the company’s capital base, which increased shareholders’ funds to N3.76 trillion and made Access Bank the first bank to achieve the new N500 billion minimum requirement set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Aig-Imoukhuede also stressed the group’s commitment to boosting shareholders’ value through strategic expansion, continuous innovation, and cost efficiency.

Access Holdings recorded success across key performance metrics in 2024 as gross earnings grew by 88% year-on-year to N4.88 in 2024, from N2.59 trillion in 2023. While profit before tax surged to N867 billion from N729 billion the prior year.

Bolaji Agbede, acting group executive officer, also highlighted the group’s growth strategy, which focuses on innovation, diversification of revenue streams, and the integration of technology to boost service delivery.

According to her, Access Holdings is positioned for success across its banking operations in four continents, including its non-banking subsidiaries.

Disclosed in the group financial statement, Access Holdings reported improvement across key metrics for the 2024 financial year, with gross earnings almost doubling, reaching N4.9 trillion, from N2.6 trillion posted in 2023.

Profit before tax surged by 19% to N867 billion from N729 billion. Total assets jumped by 56% to N41.5 trillion, from the previous N26.7 trillion.

While total liabilities increased by 54% to N37.7 trillion from N24.5 trillion. Retained earnings jumped by 60% to N1.1 trillion from N715.1 billion in 2023.

The group recorded an improvement in its net foreign exchange gains to N288 billion, up from N17.3 billion in 2023.

Following the improvement recorded in 2024, the group declared a final dividend of N2.05 per ordinary share of N0.50, subject to appropriate withholding tax and will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Registered of Members at the close of business on April 29, 2025.

Access Bank Holdings Plc’s improvement across key metrics during the 2024 financial year is an outcome of its continuous effort to spread its tentacle and put consistent effort into boosting profitability.

It recently acquired the National Bank of Kenya Limited from KCB Group, a move that is expected to boost its portfolio and further deepen its footprint across Africa.

This announcement comes at a time when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directs banks to increase their minimum capital requirements.

Access Holdings will employ a diversified strategy to raise the capital. The company will issue various financial instruments such as ordinary shares, preference shares, and bonds. Additionally, Access Bank  will conduct a rights issue to existing shareholders, targeting N365 billion.

The capital raised will address Access Holdings’ ongoing working capital needs and fund organic growth initiatives across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries. This capital injection aims to solidify the company’s financial position and support future expansion.

The capital raised by Access Holdings aligns with the CBN’s directive to strengthen the Nigerian banking sector. The increased minimum capital requirements aim to create a more sustainable and resilient banking system.

The capital is also expected to have a positive ripple effect on the Nigerian capital market. As banks seek funds through public offerings and rights issues, activity in the capital market is anticipated to increase.

The Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions has expressed support for the CBN’s bank recapitalization plan. The Committee views it as a necessary step to create a safer, sounder, and more stable banking system.

The new capital requirements are seen as justified due to the negative impact of naira depreciation on banks’ capital bases over time. The tiered minimum capital requirements also attend to the varying operational scopes of international, national, and regional banks.

Emphasis on fresh capital injection for meeting the minimum capital requirements is expected to drive banks towards the stock market. This could lead to increased market activity, capitalization, and potentially attract foreign direct investment, benefitting the Nigerian economy.

This was disclosed by the United States authorities during a media briefing Saturday (3am Nigerian time, Sunday).

Michael Graham, a National Transportation Safety Board member, said officials were on the scene to gather perishable evidence.

Graham said the team was “methodically and systematically reviewing all evidence” and considering all potential factors to determine the probable cause of the crash.

He added that although the information provided was only preliminary, witness reports suggested that a wintry weather condition was among the factors that contributed to the accident.

“The crew consisted of a pilot in command and a safety pilot. The accident flight was operated by Orbic Air LLC as a Part 135 charter flight.

“Witness reports of the weather conditions at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix.

“The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder. This helicopter was not required to be equipped with those types of recording devices,” Graham said.

Asked about more information on the passengers, Graham stated there were no details but added that “any names will be released through the coroner’s office” without specifying a time frame.

He added that the NTSB would look into the chopper’s airworthiness; maintenance and structure of the helicopter, operations, meteorology, and air traffic control.

“Parties to the investigation include the FAA and Orbic Air LLC. As the investigation continues, other parties could be named,” he said.

“The BEA — the French aviation accident investigation agency — will serve as an accredited representative because France is a state of the manufacturer of the Airbus helicopter and the Turbomeca engine.” (Vanguard)

He was the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation until he reportedly died in a chopper clash in the United States on February 10, 2024.

Herbert was the Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank plc, one of Nigeria’s top five banking institutions, after succeeding his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in January 2014 till April 2022.

He was married to Chizoba Wigwe (née Nwuba) and had 4 children: Chizi, Tochi, Hannah and David.

Herbert Wigwe hailed from Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, but lived and worked in Lagos.

In January 2015, Nigerian newspaper The Punch described him as “one of Nigeria’s stylish top executives”.

Report has it that he had speaking engagements across the world including most recently at Silicon Valley and Financial Times summit in Mozambique. In 2016, Wigwe founded The HOW Foundation, a non-profit organization

In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari

Wigwe was named 2016 Banker of The Year separately by The Sun and Vanguard newspapers, two of Nigeria’s biggest newspapers.

In 2002, Wigwe and his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede bought into what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank – at the time, the 65th largest of the 89 banks in the country

Access Bank is now one of the top five banks in Nigeria and ranked among the top 500 global banks according to a 2015 report by The Banker magazine and is aiming to be Africa’s top bank. It currently serves over 6.5 million account-holders, through 350 branches and with more than 1,500 ATMs in major centres across Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.[4]

Wigwe also served as the Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited, Access Investment & Securities Limited, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) and is the current Chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited.

Herbert Wigwe is a board member of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and a member of the advisory Board for Friends Africa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria

He started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international firm of Chartered Accountants.

He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc where he managed several portfolios, including financial institutions, large corporates and multinationals.

He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director.

Herbert Wigwe was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO effective January 1, 2014 and served in that capacity till May 2022.

He was subsequently appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank effective May 2022.

Wigwe is also  an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Career /Professional Trajectory of Mr Hebert

May 2022-Date Non-Executive Director, Access Bank Plc – June 2007

Fellow, The Institute of Credit Administration Effective – May 2022

Member-Board Human Resources and Sustainability Committee January 2014-May 2022

Group Managing Director Access Bank Plc – effective 2008

Chairman, Access Bank UK – November 2004

Honorary Member of Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria

Member-Board Credit Committee – March 2002-December 2013

Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc – May 2001

Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA)

Member-Board Risk Management Committee – December 1999-February 2002

Executive Director, GTB – September 1996

MSC Financial Economics, University of London

Member-Board Digital and Information Technology Committee – May 1999 – Dec., 1999

Group Head – Institutional Banking Group (Deputy General Manager), GTB – October 1, 1990 – Sept 1991

M.A. Banking and Finance, University College of North Wales

Member-Board Technical Committee on Retail Expansion – May 1996 – May 1998

Group Head: Energy Group (Assistant General Manager), GTB – October 1989

Associate of Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ACA) – November 1991 – May 1996

Corporate Bank (Deputy Manager -Manager) GTB  – September 1983 – June 1987

B.Sc. Accountancy (2nd Class Upper Division) – University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu Campus – Sept 1989 – Sept 1990

Credit Analyst, Kapital Merchant Bank, Lagos – July 1988 – Sept 1989

Audit Trainee- Coopers and Lybrand – Chartered Accountants – Sept 1987 – July 1988

Graduate Assistant, Coopers and Lybrand Associates Limited, Lagos.