Telecom
6 AI Hacks Helping Nigerian Gen Zs Hustle Smarter, Live Better, and Stay Ahead

Nigerian Gen Zs are finding new ways to win — turning their creativity, hustle, and lifestyle into opportunities to stand out and stay ahead. Whether they’re building their social media presence, perfecting their side gigs, or just making everyday tasks easier, AI tools are becoming a go-to life hack for this fast-moving generation.
The surge in AI adoption is vividly reflected in search trends. In 2024, searches for “AI” in Nigeria reached an all-time high, increasing by a remarkable 130% compared to the previous year. This heightened interest is further underscored by specific queries: “what is AI” saw a rise of over 30%, while “how to use AI” increased by 40%, indicating a strong drive to understand and utilize this technology. Notably, Nigerian Gen Zs are leveraging AI to enhance their professional and creative pursuits, with trending searches including “create a logo with AI,” “create a CV with AI,” and “design a website with AI.” This demonstrates a clear ambition to harness AI for tangible career and creative outcomes.
As one of Africa’s largest and most influential demographics, Nigerian Gen Zs are shaping online culture and redefining success in the digital age. According to Google’s “Our Life with AI” report, 70% of Nigerians have already used generative AI in the past year—significantly above the global average. Moreover, studies project that AI could contribute as much as $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, highlighting its growing potential to revolutionize careers, businesses, and daily life.
Here are six powerful AI hacks that are helping Nigerian Gen Zs unlock opportunities, boost creativity, and simplify their everyday lives:
Get Inspired, Plan Big Ideas, and Find Your Creative Spark
Whether you’re brainstorming a new fashion collection, writing song lyrics, or mapping out a podcast series, AI tools like Gemini are becoming powerful creativity boosters. Gemini doesn’t just generate ideas — it can refine them, offer new angles, and help creatives think bigger. With the recent release of Gemini 2.0 Flash, now available to all Gemini app users on desktop and mobile, everyone can discover new ways to create, interact, and collaborate. For instance, if you’re an aspiring designer, you could ask Gemini for color palette ideas based on Nigerian street style or find storytelling tips for promoting your collection. If you’re planning a trip, Gemini can help you create a detailed itinerary with food, culture, and adventure tips customized for your interests. It’s like having a creative partner that sparks fresh ideas and helps you bring them to life. Leveraging the updated Gemini 2.0 Flash, you can experience enhanced creative collaboration and explore even more innovative possibilities.Structure Your Thoughts and Stay Organized with Smarter Notes
For busy Gen Zs juggling studies, side hustles, and content creation, organizing ideas can be tricky. Tools like NotebookLM simplify this by helping users create clear, structured notes and summaries. A new Audio Overviews feature takes this even further — summarizing your notes into podcast-style recaps that let you listen to key points on the go. Whether you’re a content creator brainstorming viral video ideas or a student revising for exams, this feature allows you to review key insights in minutes rather than re-reading pages of notes.Find Lost Photos, Receipts, and Memories — Instantly
Ever struggled to find that screenshot of your Jumia receipt or that perfect picture of your last birthday party? With Ask Photos, powered by Gemini, you can now search your photo library with natural language prompts. Instead of scrolling endlessly, just type: “Show me my concert photos from December” or “Find my shoe receipt from March.”The tool retrieves your images instantly — perfect for tracking expenses, remembering special moments, or saving time when you’re in a rush.Turn the Web Into Your Personal Research Assistant
Forget endless clicking between tabs — AI Overviews now brings key insights directly to the top of your search results. Whether you’re researching the best skincare routine, trying to understand investment basics, or learning how to create a business pitch, AI Overviews simplifies complex information into clear, actionable summaries. For Gen Zs managing side hustles, this is a game-changer — imagine typing “How to write a winning business proposal” and getting key points, sample structures, and helpful tips without digging through multiple pages.Learn New Skills or Fix Everyday Problems with Real-Time Guidance
From nailing a flawless makeup look to fixing a broken charging cable or practicing for a job interview, Gemini Live is fast becoming a trusted guide for Gen Zs in Nigeria. Offering real-time conversational support, Gemini Live walks you through step-by-step instructions tailored to your needs. For example, if you’re struggling with a new hairstyle, Gemini Live can provide visual guidance and easy-to-follow instructions. Trying to practice public speaking? Gemini Live can even simulate mock interviews or offer feedback on your pitch — helping you build skills without paying for expensive tutors or classes.Solve Everyday Problems with Visual Search
For Gen Zs who love exploring fashion, food, or tech, Google Lens is changing the way they discover new ideas. Snap a photo of a trendy outfit, a cool sneaker design, or even a Nigerian dish you’ve never seen before — and Lens will identify it, offer styling ideas, or suggest recipes you can try at home. Trying to repair your tech? Lens can also recognize product labels, provide troubleshooting steps, or recommend where to buy spare parts. It’s an all-in-one tool that makes discovering new ideas and solving everyday problems effortless.
Why This Matters for Gen Zs in Nigeria
AI adoption is booming in Nigeria — and Gen Zs are leading the charge. As a generation known for its adaptability and creativity, they’re proving that AI isn’t just about big tech — it’s a powerful tool for anyone with ideas, ambition, or a desire to simplify their daily grind.
With AI poised to contribute up to $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, embracing these tools could give Nigerian Gen Zs a serious advantage — whether they’re chasing their dreams, building side hustles, or shaping the next wave of cultural trends.
“From building content ideas to finding better deals, Nigerian Gen Zs are proving that AI isn’t just a trend — it’s fast becoming an everyday life hack,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, West Africa at Google. “By embracing these tools, they’re unlocking smarter ways to hustle, live better, and stay ahead.”
Telecom
Airtel Africa Foundation Launches 100 Tech Scholarships for Nigerian Undergraduates

Following the recent announcement by its Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, at a World Press Conference held in Lagos recently, the Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has kicked off its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme to benefit 100 Nigerian undergraduates.
This initiative will provide each recipient with a grant covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a stipend from the first year of study through the final year. This financial aid removes economic barriers, empowering students to dedicate their focus to academic and technical achievement in technology.
Eligible courses of study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Ogunsanya affirmed that the scholarships represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to breaking down barriers for young Africans.
“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.
Beneficiaries are selected from 100-level students enrolled in approved programmes in participating public universities across the country. These institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, noted: “The prioritization of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships. They build on such other initiatives as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, our Adopt-A-School project, and our 1 billion naira investment in the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) effort of the Federal Government. Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education.”
The undergraduate scholarship is a direct component of the Foundation’s four strategic pillars of Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion (FEED).
Telecom
NCC’s Maida Calls for Unified Action to Accelerate Broadband and Safeguard Telecom Infrastructure

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for urgent collaboration among Nigeria’s states and stakeholders to accelerate broadband connectivity and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

L-R: Director, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection, Office of the National Security Advisers (ONSA), Enebong Effiom; Executive Governor, Katsina State, Dikko Radda and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, during a business roundtable on broadband investment and critical national infrastructure protection hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday (October 8, 2025).
Speaking at a business roundtable held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the EVC emphasized broadband as a national imperative for economic growth, security, and digital inclusion under the theme, “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity.”
Dr. Maida began his remarks by underscoring the invaluable role of connectivity across industries, citing examples from Enugu’s industrial sector to security services relying on real-time data. “When connectivity fails, opportunities evaporate, productivity stalls—and in critical situations, lives can be put at risk,” he said.
He stressed that broadband today transcends faster downloads or video calls; it is the bedrock of economic inclusion and national resilience.
According to the EVC, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at approximately 48.81 percent as of August 2025, with over 140 million Nigerians online. Highlighting the sector’s contribution to GDP, he cited research indicating a 10 percent broadband increase could boost GDP by 1.38 percent in developing countries.
Expanding broadband access, Dr. Maida said, would multiply economic opportunities, enabling new jobs, services, and innovation hubs across Nigeria’s states.
He referenced Rwanda and India’s success stories, where coordinated investments in fiber infrastructure and digital governance transformed their economies into emerging digital powerhouses.
The EVC lauded the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Communications Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani for pursuing the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) with ambitious targets of 70 percent broadband penetration and deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fiber backbone by year-end.
To this end, the NCC has translated these goals into strategic actions despite operational challenges.
Among the NCC’s key initiatives, Dr. Maida highlighted the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order signed in June 2024, which empowers law enforcement agencies to combat vandalism, theft, and denial of service attacks on telecom infrastructure.
The Commission, working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has operationalized this order through a Telecommunications Industry Working Group focused on site security, maintenance, and access control.
Complemented by public awareness campaigns and collaboration with judicial and security institutions, this effort has led to the dismantling of major vandalism cartels over the past two years.
Addressing the historic challenge of high Right of Way (RoW) fees—levied variably by states and often hindering fiber rollout—the EVC disclosed successes in advocacy resulting in five additional states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, and Zamfara) waiving these fees, bringing the total to eleven states without RoW charges.
Seventeen other states have capped fees at the Nigerian Governors Forum benchmark of N145 per linear meter. Dr. Maida underscored ongoing efforts to achieve uniform, predictable RoW regimes nationwide, coupled with “dig-once” coordination with public works to share ducts and plans, cutting fiber damage and civil works costs.
The NCC further strengthened investor confidence by approving cost-reflective and competitive tariff rates earlier this year, prompting operators’ collective commitment of over $1 billion in broadband rollout investments across Nigeria.
To enhance market openness, the Commission has commissioned a wholesale fiber study to facilitate backbone sharing between owners and Internet Service Providers, unlocking last-mile expansion and faster backhaul.
On transparency, the Commission expanded performance disclosures, including outage reporting, quality of service dashboards, and compliance metrics to drive accountability.
Despite these achievements, the EVC highlighted continuing challenges: from January to August 2025, Nigeria recorded 19,384 fiber cut incidents, 3,241 equipment thefts, and over 19,000 cases of denied access to telecom sites, causing prolonged outages and increased security costs.
Further obstacles include fragmented and unpredictable RoW regimes, weak coordination with road authorities, energy supply volatility, multiple taxation, and bureaucratic permitting processes.
Dr. Maida warned of the urgency, citing the accelerating global digital race driven by artificial intelligence and outsourcing movements favoring low-cost, high-connectivity environments. “If our broadband backbone is weak, our youth will be marginalized, and our economy will likely not achieve its full potential,” he said, underscoring that communities without digital connectivity today are essentially invisible.
The EVC urged governors and state authorities to partner in enforcing telecom infrastructure as critical assets; adopt 100 percent RoW waivers or at minimum NGF benchmarks with clear timelines; institutionalize coordination between public works and operators; embrace transparency in fees and processes; establish state digital infrastructure funds to attract private fiber investment; and support energy resilience through hybrid and solar power at telecom sites.
Looking ahead, Dr. Maida announced two major NCC initiatives to be launched the next day: an Ease of Doing Business Portal offering a one-stop-shop for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI), a framework to annually measure and publish states’ digital readiness and competitiveness to enhance accountability and drive improvements.
He concluded with a powerful call to action: “The digital revolution does not wait. Let us align, invest, and protect, for the prosperity of our people and the future of our nation.” He left the audience with one final question, “Will we align—or be left behind?”
This roundtable marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward a digitally inclusive and economically robust future, positioning broadband connectivity and its protection as strategic national imperatives.
Telecom
Google Empowers African Students with Free AI Tools for a Year

Google today announced a major initiative to support higher education across Africa by offering its premium AI subscription, Google AI Pro for free to university students for 12 months.
The offer is available to eligible students aged 18+ in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, providing them with access to Google’s most advanced AI tools to enhance their learning, research, and creative work.
Through Google’s most capable model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, this initiative will equip the next generation of African leaders, innovators, and creators with fundamental AI literacy. By placing powerful generative AI tools directly in the hands of students, Google is helping to prepare them for a workforce where AI proficiency is increasingly essential.
“We are seeing a new wave of innovation in Africa, driven by the energy and ingenuity of our young people,” said Alex Okosi, Managing Director for Google in Sub-Saharan Africa. “By providing students with access to our most advanced AI tools, we want to empower them to not only excel in their studies but also to become critical builders and shapers of the future. This offer is about democratizing access to technology and giving African students the skills to compete and lead on a global stage.”
The Google AI Pro plan provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed for the demands of academic and creative life:
Supercharged Learning and Research: With new features like Guided Learning to help students with in-depth research, summarizing academic papers, debugging code, and step-by-step guidance on complex problems.
Time-Saving Efficiency: Use Deep Research to generate comprehensive, cited reports from hundreds of web sources in minutes, transforming how students approach long-form assignments and dissertations.
Enhanced Organization and Creativity: Leverage NotebookLM to organize notes and connect ideas and use Veo 3 to instantly transform text prompts or images into short, high-quality videos for presentations and projects.
Massive Storage: Receive 2 TB of cloud storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos, ensuring ample space for coursework, research data, and creative portfolios.
How to Sign Up
University students in eligible higher education institutions and countries can verify their status and activate the 12-month free plan by visiting gemini.google/students. The process is designed to be simple, requiring students to verify their status through various methods and to add or confirm a form of payment (without incurring any charges). The offer will be available for redemption for 60 days, from October 7, 2025, to December 9, 2025.
This student offer builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s digital transformation through programs like the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa and the Digital Skills for Africa initiative, which have helped millions of people and businesses grow.
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