Bosun Tijani Earns Spot on TIME100 AI 2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has been named to the prestigious 2025 TIME100 AI list, joining global tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg.
This international recognition underscores Tijani’s leadership in shaping Nigeria’s digital future and highlights the country’s growing influence in global technology and innovation.
Recognition for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program
TIME recognised Tijani primarily for his leadership of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, a flagship initiative that aims to train 3 million Nigerians with in-demand technical skills by 2027.
So far, the program has:
- Trained nearly 300,000 Nigerians through online platforms and 220 in-person learning centres.
- Partnered with organisations such as the United Nations-European Union and companies like Awarri to provide internships and employment opportunities.
- Established collaborations with Microsoft Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, and Airtel Africa Foundation to expand digital learning and career pathways.
The initiative equips participants with skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data science, and software development, positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital talent in Africa.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment
In addition to technical training, Tijani’s ministry has partnered with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to launch the 3MTT–DBN Annual Entrepreneurship Training Programme.
This initiative provides:
- Business training for digital entrepreneurs.
- Access to funding and tools for scaling innovations.
- Support for building sustainable technology-driven businesses.
Advancing Nigeria’s National AI Strategy
Dr. Tijani has also championed the creation of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, developed with input from over 150 local experts.
The strategy focuses on:
- Building AI datasets tailored to Nigerian realities.
- Encouraging responsible AI development.
- Expanding AI research and innovation ecosystems.
According to TIME, Tijani emphasises that digitising Nigeria’s unique realities can strengthen the global quality of AI.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure
Beyond AI, Tijani is overseeing the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables across Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank and development partners.
This project aims to:
- Expand digital connectivity nationwide.
- Improve access to internet services in underserved areas.
- Strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital hub.
International Recognition for Bosun Tijani
Tijani’s inclusion in the TIME100 AI list adds to his growing list of international achievements. Recently, he was elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025, making it Nigeria’s first leadership role at the ITU Council in nearly 50 years.
Endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tijani’s election comes at a crucial moment for global digital policy, ensuring that Nigeria plays a central role in shaping the future of digital transformation worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, joins TIME100 AI 2025 alongside Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg.
- Recognised for leading the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, which has already trained 300,000 Nigerians.
- Driving Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and digital infrastructure expansion with 90,000 km of fibre-optic rollout.
- Recently elected Vice Chair of the ITU Council 2025, marking Nigeria’s first leadership role in five decades.
- Recognition positions Nigeria as a key player in global AI and digital innovation.
