Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as the preserve of Silicon Valley engineers, elite universities and multinational technology companies. 

Yet, in Kano, a growing movement is challenging that narrative by proving that AI education can be accessible to everyone—from visually impaired learners and deaf creatives to Almajiri children and unemployed youths.

That vision came into sharp focus on July 31 when ENGAUSA Global Tech Hub hosted another edition of its flagship STARTUP FRIDAY programme at the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Kano. More than a graduation ceremony, the event showcased an ambitious model of technology education built on inclusion, practical skills and international partnerships.

At a time when governments and businesses are grappling with how to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy, the organisation unveiled initiatives that seek to ensure no one is excluded from the digital future.

Bringing global AI certifications to northern Nigeria

One of the day’s defining moments was the launch of internationally recognised Artificial Intelligence certifications through a partnership with AI CERTs, New York.

The collaboration positions ENGAUSA among the institutions in northern Nigeria offering globally recognised, role-based AI certification programmes, enabling learners to acquire credentials that meet international standards.

Delivering a virtual keynote address, AI CERTs representative Yash Nanda highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in shaping economies and creating new career opportunities.

He described accessible AI education as essential for Africa’s digital transformation and commended ENGAUSA for extending world-class certification opportunities to communities that are often overlooked.

The event also celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of AI CERTs-certified trainers and learners, marking an important milestone in the hub’s efforts to prepare Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities in the global digital economy.

For ENGAUSA’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mustapha Ringim, the partnership is about much more than certificates.

“Artificial Intelligence is rapidly redefining the global economy,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian youths, regardless of their backgrounds, are not left behind but become creators, innovators and global competitors in the AI revolution.”

Redefining disability through technology

Perhaps, the most emotional moments came during the graduation of 12 visually impaired learners who completed the ENGAUSA PC Exploration Programme organised by the ENGAUSA Skills Development Foundation.

Rather than defining the graduates by disability, the organisation celebrated them as ‘ENGAUSA VIPs’ (Very Important People) and referred to them as People with Special Abilities, reflecting its philosophy that ability should always outweigh disability.

After completing practical computer literacy and digital skills training, the graduates received certificates that organisers believe would expand their educational, employment and entrepreneurial prospects.

The ceremony attracted support from government agencies and development stakeholders, including representatives of the Technology Incubation Centre, the National Board for Technology Incubation and the National Agricultural Extension, Research and Liaison Services of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, all of whom praised the initiative’s emphasis on inclusive technology education.

Testimonies

For the beneficiaries, the programme represented more than acquiring digital skills.

Abdulaziz Zango, lead instructor, said the initiative demonstrated that visual impairment should never be regarded as a barrier to technological excellence.

Similarly, Abdurrahman Daushe, chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, thanked ENGAUSA and its foundation for extending scholarships and digital learning opportunities to persons with special abilities, describing the initiative as life-changing.

Opening new pathways for Almajiri children

Beyond AI, ENGAUSA is also seeking to address another long-standing social challenge through skills development.

The organisation formally launched its Almajiri Skills Development Programme, an initiative designed to equip Almajiri children with practical vocational skills capable of generating income and reducing dependency.

Sponsored by Hajia Ummulkhair Aminu Dantata, the programme is to provide free training in smartphone repairs and solar installation technology—two sectors where demand for skilled technicians continues to grow.

Rather than viewing vulnerable children solely through the lens of welfare, the initiative focuses on employability and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with skills that can create sustainable livelihoods.

Celebrating excellence beyond physical limitations

The event also highlighted stories that challenged long-held assumptions about disability and innovation.

Among those recognised were two graduates with hearing impairment whose achievements drew prolonged applause from participants.

Musa Salihu was honoured for his work in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, while Ahmad Bashir received recognition for applying AI tools in digital content creation, videography and filmmaking.

Their achievements served as a reminder that talent is not determined by physical ability, but by access to opportunity, quality training and determination.

A model for inclusive digital development

As countries race to prepare their workforces for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ENGAUSA’s approach offers a different perspective, one that combines emerging technologies with social inclusion.

Instead of focusing exclusively on highly educated professionals, the hub extends technology education to women, unemployed graduates, underserved communities, Almajiri children and persons with special abilities.

Through competency-based learning, multilingual instruction and practical skills training, the organisation has expanded beyond conventional ICT education into fields such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, creative media and technical and vocational education.

The launch of international AI certifications alongside programmes targeting some of society’s most vulnerable groups reflects an understanding that digital transformation cannot be truly successful if significant segments of the population remain excluded.

As Artificial Intelligence increasingly shapes economies and labour markets worldwide, initiatives such as these suggest that the future of AI education in Nigeria may depend not only on technological advancement but also on ensuring that innovation is accessible to everyone.

If that vision succeeds, Kano may become known not only as a commercial centre but also as a place where technology is helping to redefine inclusion, opportunity and the future of work.