LAGOS, Nigeria — Google has released new data showing that people across Nigeria are increasingly using Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative and professional skills, reflecting a shift toward technology-driven learning.
The data, based on trends for March 2026, indicates rising interest in artistic, musical, and language skills, as Nigerians adopt digital tools as everyday learning assistants.
Okay News reports that searches related to learning painting rose by 90 percent over the past 12 months, while interest in learning the guitar increased by 80 percent in the past 90 days, highlighting growing engagement in creative pursuits.
Searches for calligraphy and embroidery have also emerged as breakout trends, alongside increased interest in drawing and general art learning, which rose by 30 percent and 40 percent respectively over the past year.
The trend extends to advanced digital tools, with searches for AI-powered music platforms such as Lyria 3 identified as a breakout trend, while overall AI literacy has surged by 840 percent within the same period.
Language learning is also gaining momentum, with searches for learning Italian rising by 130 percent, while interest in Japanese has doubled over the past 12 months. Searches for Arabic learning also increased by 80 percent month-on-month.
Google said the shift reflects a broader effort by Nigerians to use technology to expand opportunities and connect globally, particularly within the country’s growing creative economy.
Nigeria remains a major creative hub in Africa, with industries such as Nollywood, the world’s fifth-largest film sector, and the globally recognised Afrobeats music scene contributing significantly to cultural exports. Data shows that more than 70 percent of watch time for Nigerian-produced content comes from outside the country, while Afrobeats songs have recorded over 13 billion streams globally within a year.
The report also highlighted the growing role of digital infrastructure and investment in supporting this trend, noting that every $1 invested in digital technology generates more than $8 in economic value, according to industry analysts at Public First. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributes over 16 percent to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product.
Students and professionals are also using AI tools to support education and productivity. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in AI-assisted learning in areas such as chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches increased by 70 percent month-on-month.
Improved connectivity is also supporting this shift, with infrastructure such as the Equiano subsea cable providing significantly higher network capacity and enabling broader access to digital tools. A 1 percent increase in connectivity is associated with a 5.7 percent rise in economic output.
“It is inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in creative arts and language mastery shows a nation that is actively shaping its future with technology. Nigerians are using Search and AI as 24/7 tutors to master high demand skills and connect with the world. This everyday resourcefulness is helping our entrepreneurial population achieve their highest ambitions,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for West Africa at Google.
Google added that its tools, including Search and Workspace, are already helping knowledge workers in Nigeria save more than 22 million hours weekly, equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion in productivity gains.
The company said the continued rise in AI adoption highlights a growing reliance on digital tools as essential components of both creative expression and economic participation in Nigeria.
