Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and implemented by NITDA, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme is a landmark initiative under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, tasked with training 3 million Nigerians in high-demand tech skills by 2027.
Vision and Strategic Structure
Envisioned as the world’s largest tech talent accelerator , the programme targets 12 cutting-edge skill domains: AI/ML, Data Science, Cloud Computing, UI/UX Design, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Game Development, among others. Training is rolled out in phases:
• Phase 1 (Dec 2023 – Mar 2024): Trained 30,000 fellows across all states and the FCT.
• Phase 2 (from Feb 2024): Enrolling 270,000 trainees across three cohorts of 60K, 90K, and 120K.
• Phase 3 (ongoing): In November 2024, the third cohort of 90,000 fellows was announced, bringing total training to about 13% of the target.
Since its launch, the programme has seen extraordinary interest,1.8 million applications submitted, and over 1,400 organizations ready to support training efforts.
Hybrid Learning Model & Support Infrastructure
The 3MTT employs a hybrid instructional approach melding self-paced online modules with in-person applied learning at 197 Applied Learning Clusters (ALCs) across Nigeria including Paritie Learning Group.
To empower participants, the programme also deployed a ₦5 billion device financing scheme, enabling learners to acquire laptops or tablets on installment terms.
Strategic Partnership: MTN Nigeria’s ₦3 Billion Commitment
A pivotal development came in June 2025, when MTN Nigeria pledged ₦3 billion to undergird the programme. The breakdown includes:
• ₦1.45 billion for training support
• ₦1.5 billion in data grants for seamless connectivity
• ₦50 million worth of Raspberry Pi kits for hands-on STEM education reaching 3,500 students in secondary schools
To date, this partnership has already supported training for over 90,000 Nigerians across two cohorts via nearly 200 ALCs.
Impact and Employment Integration
Beyond training, the programme emphasizes practical application and placement:
• Graduates participated in hackathons and state-level tech competitions to solidify what they’ve learned.
• Organizations like UNDP have offered paid internships to 3,000 participants, fostering real-world exposure.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite remarkable scale, 3MTT isn’t without hurdles:
• Some training partners report delays in payments and concerns over the ₦20,000 trainee stipend being inadequate for costs.
• In Katsina State, only 400 of 1,400 selected participants completed their training highlighting infrastructure weaknesses and low digital literacy in some regions.
Building a Sustainable Digital Ecosystem
The broader narrative sees 3MTT as a catalyst for Nigeria’s digital future:
• The programme is aligned with efforts like the “Nigeria Talent Cities Initiative,” aimed at cultivating outsourcing hubs to unlock 500,000 jobs by 2027.
• Stakeholders recommend stronger multi-sector coordination, urging linkages with Education, Labour, and other ministries for deep-rooted integration of digital skills.
Final Thought
The 3MTT Programme represents one of Nigeria’s boldest gambits in workforce development a nationwide mobilization to harness the potential of its youth and transform them into globally competitive tech professionals. While early phases reveal both triumphs and growing pains, stakeholders remain hopeful: with continued investment, public-private cooperation, and ecosystem strengthening, Nigeria could soon establish itself as a net exporter of digital talent.