The Federal Government of Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program has witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 330,000 applications pouring in for just 30,000 available positions. This surge in interest underscores the nation’s burgeoning youth population’s eagerness to acquire technical skills and contribute to the digital economy.
Key States to Benefit
Lagos and Kano have emerged as the primary states set to benefit the most from this initiative. As per the program’s implementation plan, Lagos is poised to have 2,040 trainees, making it the state with the highest number of beneficiaries. Following closely is Kano, with a slated 1,628 trainees. The allocation of these numbers seems to be in line with the population metrics of these states, as they are among the most populous in the country. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that as of 2016, Kano had a population of 13 million, while Lagos trailed slightly with 12.5 million.
Other states that are in the forefront of this beneficiary list include Rivers, Oyo, Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Imo, and Akwa Ibom. Each of these states will have beneficiaries ranging from 1,004 to 1,450.
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Program’s Vision and Execution
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has shed light on the program’s objectives and its alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda. The primary aim is to bolster Nigeria’s technical talent pool, thereby fortifying its digital economy and positioning the nation as a significant talent exporter.
The first phase of the 3MTT program, which is in collaboration with NITDA, will be multifaceted, involving various stakeholders such as training providers, partners, placement organizations, and fellows. The government’s strategy is to identify individuals keen on specific skills and then fully finance their training with approved training providers.
Elaborating on the program’s modus operandi, Dr. Tijani mentioned the Ministry’s 1%-10%-100% implementation approach. The initial phase aims to train and place 30,000 technical talents, which represents 1% of the overall target. This phase will be executed based on a framework co-developed with key stakeholders spanning government agencies, educational institutions, development agencies, training providers, and the private sector.
Skillsets in Focus
The 3MTT program is not just about creating technology but also leveraging it to enhance various roles. Some of the skills that will be imparted during the first phase include Digital Marketing, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualization, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, and UX/UI Design, among others.
The 3MTT program’s overwhelming response is a testament to Nigeria’s youth’s aspirations to be at the forefront of the digital revolution. With structured training and a clear vision, the program promises to be a game-changer in shaping the nation’s digital future.
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