In a remarkable expansion from its initial goal of training 150 teachers, the MTN SAIL Foundation has now empowered over 10,000 educators across Nigeria with cutting-edge pedagogical skills. The foundation recently celebrated the graduation of its second cohort in Lagos, marking another milestone in what has become one of Africa’s largest teacher development programs.
The current cohort comprises 500 teachers who have completed a three-month intensive training program focused on AI-assisted teaching—a first for Nigeria. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft and the MTN Foundation, the curriculum emphasizes digital access and remote learning methods that can be implemented even in resource-constrained environments.
What began as a targeted initiative to support public school teachers has grown into a nationwide movement. The program now reaches classrooms in all 36 states of Nigeria, providing educators with essential resources and training to enhance their teaching practices. This year’s graduates join a network of over 9,500 alumni who have already benefited from the fellowship.
The MTN SAIL Foundation’s commitment extends beyond initial training; they also provide ongoing support through mentorship programs and access to digital learning platforms. Recognizing that teachers are the foundation of any education system, the program aims to equip them with the skills and confidence to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian students.
During the graduation ceremony, Lagos State officials commended the initiative as a model for public-private partnerships in education. Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake emphasized that investing in teachers is key to ensuring Nigeria’s participation in global conversations about technology in education.