In a major push to attract world-class artificial intelligence (AI) talent, the United Kingdom has launched a £54 million Global Talent Taskforce initiative, offering skilled professionals—including Nigerians—an opportunity to contribute to its leading industrial and technological sectors.
Announced via the official UK government platform, the initiative targets AI researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, senior executives, investors, and creatives from across the globe. Over the next five years, it will provide comprehensive support for relocation and research activities, helping exceptional individuals settle and collaborate within the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
The Global Talent Taskforce builds upon an earlier £25 million investment and forms a key pillar of the UK’s long-term Plan for Change. By strategically addressing talent shortages in high-growth industries, it aims to fortify the country’s competitive edge by infusing it with elite international expertise.
A Boost for Nigerian Talent in AI
For Nigerian AI professionals, the programme presents a significant opportunity. Whether in academia, private research, or the startup space, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for support covering 100% of costs—including visas, relocation, and research funding for themselves and their families.
The UK government is also expanding its High Potential Individual visa to include more recognized global institutions, making it easier for emerging talent to transition into the country’s thriving AI and technology sectors.
Complementary Fellowships and Research Support
As part of this broader talent strategy, the Turing AI Global Fellowships, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will provide up to £5 million per recipient over five years. These fellowships extend the prestigious Turing AI Fellowship Programme and are designed to supercharge cutting-edge research in AI and related fields.
In addition, a newly created Global Talent Fund, also administered by UKRI, will allocate £54 million beginning in the 2025/26 fiscal year to support qualified candidates. The fund is designed to eliminate financial and bureaucratic barriers that often hinder global collaboration in science and innovation.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Housed within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Taskforce is backed by multiple government departments and will actively promote the UK’s strengths—such as its vibrant R&D environment, strong rule of law, quality of life, and cultural diversity—to global audiences.
UKRI Chief Executive Vivienne Stern highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting national priorities:
“These initiatives will attract the best and brightest from around the world to accelerate growth across the UK’s key sectors, which are underpinned by our great universities.”
Meanwhile, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle added:
“Genius is not bound by geography. But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions, and international ties needed to fertilise brilliant ideas.”
No Impact on Net Migration
Importantly, UK officials have clarified that the Global Talent Taskforce will not influence overall immigration figures. The initiative is focused on targeted, high-impact recruitment that strengthens Britain’s innovation and productivity, especially in science, technology, and AI.
A Call to Visionaries Worldwide
With this initiative, the UK sends a clear message to global innovators: it is open for collaboration, committed to growth, and ready to host the next generation of transformative thinkers. Nigerian AI experts are well-positioned to benefit—offering their skills to a country eager to innovate while accessing resources that could amplify their global impact.
