Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer some far-off tech dream. It’s now the engine powering how businesses make decisions, talk to customers, and stay ahead of the competition. But there’s one big problem: most Nigerian companies can’t afford the kind of AI training big global companies pay for. That doesn’t mean they should be left behind.
Let’s break down how any small or medium business can train their staff in AI without emptying the company account. From free online courses to clever training strategies, we’ll look at how you can build an AI ready workforce on a budget.
A recent survey showed that 78% of employees already bring AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini into their work without any formal training. Meanwhile, only 14% of frontline workers actually get trained in how to use these tools properly.
This is not good not because of the security risks, but because it means companies are missing out on real value.
Training your staff properly doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is to train smart, not hard.
Step 1: Know Your Staff’s Skill Level
Before jumping into training, take stock of where your team is. Do they know what AI is? Have they used it before? Are they using it the right way?
Beginner User: These staff need to learn what AI is, how it works, and how to use it safely.
Intermediate User: These ones may already use AI but want to learn how to apply it better for their department like using AI to sort customer complaints faster.
Advanced User: These are the future leaders and trainers. They’ll learn how to build AI systems or train others in your company.
Don’t spend ₦4.5m training someone who just needs to know how to use ChatGPT for email writing. Match your training budget to the right skill level.
Step 2: Train for the Job, Not for the Fancy Name
Many companies waste money on general AI workshops that don’t help anybody. The accounting team doesn’t need to know how to build AI apps. The sales team doesn’t need AI ethics lectures.
Here’s how you can break it down:
Executives need to understand AI strategy. How to use AI to make better decisions, spot risks, and measure returns. This can cost a lot but should be limited to key leaders.
Department Heads: These need to know how AI can help their specific teams, say, using AI to schedule deliveries or track employee performance.
Frontline Staff: Teach them AI tools that save them time daily, like AI for report writing, customer responses, or stock management.
Real training means showing people how AI makes their actual job easier.
Step 3: Use What’s Already Free
One of the best ways to save money? Use what’s already available online—for free.
Here are top options anyone can start today:
OpenAI Learning: Yes, the same organisation behind ChatGPT. They offer free guides and tutorials on how to use AI safely and effectively.
Google AI: Their “Learn with Google AI” site offers free, simple lessons for beginners and advanced learners alike. Topics range from “what is AI” to deep learning.
DeepLearning.AI: Started by AI expert Andrew Ng, this site offers many beginner-friendly and certificate courses, many of which are free or low-cost.
Microsoft’s AI for Beginners: In partnership with nonprofits, Microsoft also offers a full learning hub for charities and smaller teams.
These free options can help you create a strong base for your team before you spend any money at all.
Step 4: Go Hybrid, Not Hard
Don’t pack everything into a 3-day workshop. Most people forget what they learned after a few days anyway.
Instead, build your AI training over 4 to 6 weeks. Use a mix of:
- Self-paced online videos
- Live Zoom check-ins
- Team projects based on real work
- Access to WhatsApp or Slack groups for help
This “hybrid model” costs less and delivers more because people learn at their pace, and they apply what they learn directly to their work.
Step 5: Train in Phases
You don’t need to train everyone at once. Start small.
Phase 1: Train your team leads and senior staff. They will act as in-house AI ambassadors and help roll out training to others.
Phase 2: Train early adopters. Those already using AI tools and showing interest.
Phase 3: Use the feedback and lessons from the first two phases to train the rest of the team better and cheaper.
This phased approach saves money and gives you time to adjust the training to your company’s needs.
Step 6: Use Corporate Learning Platforms
If you have some budget but not millions, you can use low-cost e-learning platforms like:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- LinkedIn Learning
Most of them offer corporate packages where you can train 20–50 staff at once. You get certificates, dashboards to track progress, and easy access for all levels.
Plus, you can cancel anytime or switch to cheaper plans if needed.
Step 7: Join Free Industry or Government Programmes
Check with:
- NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency)
- Tech NGOs like Data Science Nigeria
- Industry associations (e.g., Nigeria Computer Society)
Many of these offer free or heavily subsidised AI training programmes for members or SMEs. Some even offer certificates recognised by the government and large companies.
AI training doesn’t need to cost millions. What it needs is clear thinking, planning, and smart use of what’s already out there.
Start with what you have. Use free tools. Focus on job-specific training. Train in small groups. And don’t forget: the real value of AI is not in the tools—it’s in how your people use them to get results.
For Nigerian businesses trying to do more with less, this is your moment. Train smart, not expensive.
