Nigerians turn to Google Search, AI tools to boost creative skills — Report
A new insight released by Google has revealed how Nigerians are increasingly leveraging search and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to develop creative and professional skills, signalling a growing shift toward
A new insight released by Google has revealed how Nigerians are increasingly leveraging search and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to develop creative and professional skills, signalling a growing shift toward digital self-improvement.
According to the company’s latest search trends for March 2026, more Nigerians are embracing technology not just for information but as a practical assistant for artistic growth, learning, and personal development.
Nigeria has long maintained its reputation as a creative powerhouse in Africa, with global recognition in industries such as Afrobeats and Nollywood. The film industry, currently ranked as the fifth largest in the world, continues to expand, with its value approaching $8 billion. Its global reach is also significant, as over 70 per cent of watch time for Nigerian-produced content now comes from international audiences.
Similarly, Afrobeats has cemented its place on the global stage, with billions of streams recorded annually on platforms like Spotify. These milestones reflect a thriving creative ecosystem that younger Nigerians are now enhancing with digital tools.
The report highlights a deliberate effort among Nigerians to acquire new skills and tap into global opportunities. Search interest in learning painting, for instance, has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, pointing to renewed interest in artistic expression.
Music-related learning is also gaining traction. Searches related to learning the guitar have increased by 80 per cent, while interest in AI-powered music tools such as Lyria 3 has spiked significantly, reflecting the intersection of creativity and emerging technology.
Beyond the arts, Nigerians are also turning to digital platforms to broaden their global connections. Interest in learning foreign languages is rising sharply, with Italian searches up by 130 per cent and Japanese learning queries doubling within a year.
Experts say this shift is unfolding within a rapidly expanding digital economy. Research by Public First indicates that every dollar invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The country’s ICT sector has also become a major contributor to growth, accounting for over 16 per cent of real GDP.
Students and families are not left out of this transformation. The data shows increasing reliance on AI tools for academic support, with searches for AI tutors emerging as a breakout trend. Interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled, while homework-related searches rose by 70 per cent within the month.
This surge is further supported by infrastructure improvements such as the Equiano subsea cable, which has significantly boosted internet capacity and connectivity across the region.
Speaking on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for West Africa at Google, said:
“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.”
Google added that its tools continue to support productivity across the country. Products like Search and Workspace are reportedly helping Nigerian knowledge workers save over 22 million hours weekly — translating to an estimated $4.7 billion in productivity gains.
The data also shows a sharp rise in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent over the past year, underlining how Nigerians are increasingly adopting technology as an essential partner in both creative and professional pursuits.
Overall, the findings point to a tech-driven future where creativity, education, and economic growth are becoming more interconnected, powered by everyday digital tools.
