Next Digital Solutions
Now Accepting Applications
Internship Programme · Cohort 1 · 2026

Digital Solutions
Innovators'
Cohort

AI · Law · Software · Nigeria

Next Digital Solutions invites passionate researchers, legal scholars, and technology developers to join Nigeria's first structured inquiry into AI regulation, global law, and the legal framework governing software development — building the intellectual foundation for tomorrow's digital Nigeria.

2
Research Tracks — AI & Law Regulation globally
and Software Law in Nigeria
100%
Research-driven · Output-oriented · Real-world impact
on Nigeria's digital legislation
2008
Year Next Digital Solutions was registered in Nigeria — over a decade of digital service advocacy
PROGRAMME STARTS  ·  15 March 2026
About Next Digital Solutions
Bringing Digital Services to the Communities That Need Them Most

Next Digital Solutions is a registered Nigerian business with a focused mandate: to identify local problems facing small-scale businesses, medium enterprises, and startups, then engage technological SaaS solutions to enhance and optimise their profitability.

Founded in 2008 and powered by a team of passionate individuals, our work bridges the gap between the digital economy and the communities that have historically been left behind by it.

The Digital Solutions Innovators' Cohort is Next Digital Solutions' first structured programme channelling that energy into research. It is an organised, mentored internship designed to produce actionable outputs — not just learning exercises.

The work of this cohort will contribute directly to the discourse around AI regulation and software law in Nigeria, creating reference tools and templates that Nigerian developers and legal practitioners can use today.

The Programme

Two Tracks.
One Coherent Mission.

The 1st Digital Solutions Innovators' Cohort is structured around two complementary research tracks. Together they create a complete picture of what it means to build and operate technology responsibly — globally and specifically within Nigeria.

Part A · Global AI & Law
AI Regulation & the Global Legal Landscape

This track conducts a thorough review of how Artificial Intelligence is being governed across the world today — examining legislation, regulatory frameworks, and the duties imposed on AI developers. The findings will help set the pace for Nigeria's own AI and Law legislation.

  • Survey of existing global AI legal frameworks — EU AI Act, US executive orders, UK approach, and beyond
  • Duties, obligations, and liabilities of AI developers at international law
  • Rights of individuals and communities affected by AI systems
  • Cross-jurisdictional analysis: what models are applicable to Nigeria's context
  • Regulatory gaps and opportunities — where Nigeria can lead, not follow
  • Deliverable: A comparative policy report with recommendations for Nigerian legislation
Part B · Nigerian Software Law
Laws Impacting Software Development in Nigeria

This track undertakes a critical examination of every law — active, emerging, and overlooked — that affects the development of software in Nigeria. The goal is to produce a practical compliance template every Nigerian developer can use.

  • Review of Nigeria's Data Protection Act (NDPA) and NITDA regulations for developers
  • Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act — implications for software architects
  • Intellectual property, copyright, and open-source licensing under Nigerian law
  • Consumer protection obligations for software product owners
  • NCC and sector-specific regulatory requirements (fintech, health, education)
  • Deliverable: A legal compliance template and awareness guide for Nigerian developers

Find Your
Role in the Cohort

We are looking for motivated interns across legal research, technology analysis, writing, and project coordination. Both tracks are open for applications simultaneously.

⚖️
Part A · Global AI & Law
AI & Law Research Associate

Reviews and synthesises international AI legal frameworks. Monitors regulatory developments globally. Drafts comparative analyses and policy briefs. Ideal for law students, legal scholars, or policy researchers.

📜
Part B · Nigerian Software Law
Nigerian Tech Law Researcher

Conducts deep-dive research into Nigerian legislation affecting software. Maps applicable statutes and regulations. Contributes to the developer compliance template. Ideal for law graduates and legal practitioners.

💻
Part B · Nigerian Software Law
Software Developer Advocate

Translates legal findings into practical guidance for developers. Tests the compliance template against real-world development scenarios. Helps produce accessible documentation. Ideal for software developers with an interest in law.

🤖
Part A · Global AI & Law
AI Policy & Ethics Analyst

Examines the ethical dimensions of AI regulation, developer liability, and algorithmic accountability. Contributes to the comparative policy report with a focus on African and Global South contexts.

✍️
Both Tracks
Research Writer & Documentation Specialist

Produces polished written outputs from raw research: reports, briefs, templates, and awareness guides. Works across both tracks. Ideal for journalism, communications, or technical writing backgrounds.

📊
Both Tracks
Research Coordinator

Manages timelines, coordinates between Part A and Part B teams, tracks deliverables, and facilitates internal reviews. Ideal for project management, business administration, or social science graduates.

Who Should Apply

Eligibility &
Requirements

We welcome applications from students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals. We value passion, intellectual rigour, and commitment to Nigeria's digital future above all other criteria.

Part A — AI & Law Track

  • Students or graduates in Law, International Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or related disciplines
  • Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks, legislation, or legal research methodology
  • Genuine interest in AI and its societal, legal, and ethical implications
  • Strong analytical writing and research synthesis skills
  • Ability to work independently and meet research milestones
  • Open to professionals with cross-cutting expertise in technology and law

Part B — Software Law Track

  • Students or graduates in Law, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity
  • Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory environment — NDPA, NITDA, Cybercrime Act is an advantage
  • Software developers with an interest in legal compliance are particularly encouraged to apply
  • Ability to translate complex legal language into practical developer-facing guidance
  • Commitment to producing a usable, publicly-accessible compliance template
  • Collaborative mindset — Part B output is a shared team deliverable

Key Dates & Milestones

01
Now — March 14, 2026
Applications Open
Submit your application, statement of interest, and relevant supporting materials. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis — early applications are encouraged.
02
March 15, 2026
Cohort Officially Commences
Selected interns are notified and onboarded. Orientation session held. Research briefs distributed to both tracks. Mentors assigned.
03
March 15 – April 30, 2026
Phase 1 — Research & Mapping
Track A: Global AI legal landscape survey and comparative analysis. Track B: Nigerian software law inventory and regulatory mapping. Weekly check-ins with team leads.
04
May 1 – June 15, 2026
Phase 2 — Analysis & Drafting
Track A: Drafts comparative AI policy report with recommendations. Track B: Develops the Nigerian Developer Legal Compliance Template and awareness guide. Peer reviews.
05
June 16 – June 30, 2026
Phase 3 — Review, Finalisation & Publication
Final outputs reviewed and refined. Publication on Next Digital Solutions platforms. Cohort presentations. Certificates of completion issued to all participants.
What You Gain

More Than an
Internship

The Digital Solutions Innovators' Cohort is designed to produce professionals who have done real, publishable work. Participation is an investment in your career and in Nigeria's digital future.

01
Published Research Credit
Your name on published reports, policy briefs, and compliance templates — real portfolio pieces with genuine public impact and institutional backing.
02
Expert Mentorship
Work directly with experienced professionals in law, technology policy, and software development who are actively driving Nigeria's digital transformation agenda.
03
Certificate of Completion
Formal recognition from Next Digital Solutions of your research contribution to the 1st Digital Solutions Innovators' Cohort — verifiable and career-relevant.
04
Network Access
Join a growing community of digital innovators, legal practitioners, and developers committed to building Nigeria's technology ecosystem on a sound legal foundation.
05
Policy & Legislative Impact
Your research is intended to contribute to actual legislative and regulatory discourse in Nigeria. This is work with a real downstream policy audience and purpose.
06
Pioneer Status
As a member of Cohort 1, you are a founding member of Next Digital Solutions' research programme — a distinction that carries weight as this initiative scales.

Ready to Shape
Nigeria's Digital Future?

Applications are now open. The process is straightforward. We are looking for motivated individuals — not just impressive CVs. Tell us what drives you and what you want to build.

1
Prepare Your Application Documents
A current CV or résumé · A one-page Statement of Interest (which track you are applying to, why you want to join, and what you hope to contribute) · Any relevant samples of work (essays, reports, projects — optional but welcomed)
2
Submit Your Application
Send all documents as a single PDF or email to [email protected] with the subject line: NDS Cohort 1 — [Your Name] — [Part A or Part B]
3
Review & Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5 working days of submission for a brief interview or verification call.
4
Onboarding & Cohort Start
Successful applicants receive an offer letter, onboarding pack, and research brief ahead of the official start date of 15 March 2026.
Application Deadline
14 March 2026
Applications after this date may not be considered for Cohort 1
Programme Start Date
15 March 2026
Both tracks commence simultaneously
Apply Now →

Apply to Join Cohort 1

Complete the form below to submit your application. Make sure you have your CV/résumé and Statement of Interest ready. You can upload them directly through this form.

Having trouble with the form? Email your application directly to info@xdigitalsolutions.com