The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a N1 billion grant from Airtel Africa Foundation. This money will be used to support the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. The program wants to help young Nigerians learn digital and technical skills. The aim is to make Nigeria a strong name in the world of technology.
This help from Airtel is part of a big plan by the government. It is one of the important steps taken to improve the lives of people by creating jobs and building skills. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, received the cheque from Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya.
What is the 3MTT Program?
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program is a big plan by the Nigerian Government. It aims to train 3 million young Nigerians in useful digital skills. These skills will help them find good jobs and grow the country’s tech industry. The program started in 2023 and is being run in stages.
The first group had 30,000 people, which was just 1% of the target. The second group added 270,000 more people. Now, 10% of the 3 million goal has been reached. The plan is to train the full 3 million people step by step.
How Will the Airtel Grant Be Used?
The N1 billion given by Airtel will be used to train over 25,000 Nigerians in skills that are needed in the job market. This includes hands-on training, community engagement, and helping people find jobs. The goal is to give people real skills and help them build careers in the digital economy.
According to Minister Tijani, this grant will help bring the goals of the 3MTT program closer to reality. He said the program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. This agenda focuses on giving more chances to Nigerian youth and helping them succeed in the future.
Words from Airtel Africa Foundation
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, said Airtel is happy to support Nigeria’s growth. He believes that digital skills can change lives. According to him, technology can open new doors, help businesses grow, and support families and communities.
He also said that the 3MTT program is not just about learning, but also about leadership. He believes Nigerian youth should not only be part of the digital world but also lead it. That is why Airtel gave this big support. It is an investment in the future of Nigeria.
Past Support for the 3MTT Program
This is not the first big support the 3MTT program has received. In November 2023, another company, IHS Towers, gave N1 billion to the program. That money was used to create learning communities across Nigeria. IHS Towers also agreed to pay salaries for 37 learning community managers for the next three years.
These communities give students places to learn, practice, and grow their tech skills. They also help in connecting learners with real jobs.
Skills Nigerians Are Learning Under 3MTT
The 3MTT program focuses on practical skills. Many of these skills help people work better in businesses that use technology. Here are some of the main skills taught:
- Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Project Management Software
- CRM Management (Customer Relationship Management)
- Cloud Platform Use
- Accounting Software
- Graphics Design
- UX/UI Design
These are skills that companies need today. People who learn them can find jobs more easily, start their own businesses, or grow in their current jobs.
Why This Matters for Nigeria
This grant and the 3MTT program are very important for Nigeria’s future. The world is changing fast, and technology is at the center of this change. Many jobs today need people to have digital skills. Nigeria is a country with many young people. Giving them the right skills will help them succeed and also help the country grow.
By working with companies like Airtel and IHS Towers, the government is making smart moves. These partnerships bring money, ideas, and support to help the program work better.
Conclusion
The N1 billion grant from Airtel Africa Foundation is a strong step forward for the 3MTT program. It shows that private companies believe in Nigeria’s future. The training of 25,000 more Nigerians will help build a strong digital workforce. As more people learn these skills, they will get better jobs and help Nigeria grow.
The government, through the Ministry of Communications, is working hard to make sure this program changes lives. With continued support and good planning, the 3MTT program could become one of the best talent-building programs in Africa.