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Joshua Fagbemi
Guest
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has announced the selection of 90,000 fellows in the third cohort of its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT). The announcement was made by the minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani via his X handle.
The minister noted that applications are still available for Nigerians who are yet to partake in the talent accelerator program. He added that the learning initiative will expose participants to learn in-demand tech skills and become part of a pool of technical talent for the growing digital economy in Nigeria and globally.
“I am pleased to announce that Cohort 3 of @3MTTNigeria is now live and we will be enrolling an additional 90,000 Fellows to start their training journey. For those in our 3MTT Community who have been patiently waiting, please visit your dashboard to get the next instructions on how to take the required foundational learning courses and assessment,” he said.
According to the plans released by the ministry, the training will be implemented in multiple phases. The first phase, which is Cohort 1, accommodated 30,000 people, while 270,000 fellows were enrolled for the second cohort in March this year.
During the selection of fellows for the second cohort of the program, the Minister disclosed that a significant number of fellows in the first cohort of the program were being placed into jobs as interns all over the country.
Tijani also said all the fellows from the first phase were at a stage where they would be participating in tech competitions like hackathons within their states. This will aid in putting what they’ve learned into practice. It will enhance their ability to work together with their peers and build solutions that can showcase their expertise.
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program is a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to power its digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter.
The program started with 30,000 Nigerians, representing 1% of the 3 million target, while the 270,000 selected for the second cohort increased the quota to 10%. The 90,000 participants picked for the third cohort now brings the number to 13%.
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
To achieve the program’s target, Tijani said the different phases will be executed based on the framework co-created with key stakeholders across government agencies. It extends to training providers, educational institutions, development agencies, and the private sector.
In November 2023 the Federal Government partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to facilitate paid internships for 3,000 participants enrolled in the 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) initiative.
At the heart of this transformative initiative lies a commitment to empower communities at the grassroots level. The 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) program’s funding, including provisions for dedicated learning community managers, exemplifies a localized approach to skill development. By nurturing talent in various regions, the program not only strengthens the skills of individuals but also enriches the fabric of local communities.
Some of the skills Nigerians are being trained on include skills that utilize technology to enhance various roles without directly involving tech creation. These include Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, and UX/UI Design, among several others.
Also Read: 3,000 3MTT graduates to get UNDP internship for one year.
Recall that two weeks ago, the FMCIDE announced a N2.8 billion Google fund to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria. Provided through Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, the fund will bolster the Ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.
It is also part of Google.org’s broader $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Earlier this year, the Ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians.
Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and Minister Bosun Tijani
In a significant step toward advancing the AI ecosystem, the Ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google.
The Fund will see each selected startup receive N100 million in funding, along with up to $ 3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions. Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.
Read More: Ministry of Communications names Emeka Afigbo, Iyin Aboyeji, others in 3MTT Advisory Committee.
The post 3MTT: 90,000 Nigerians selected for 3rd cohort, more to come first appeared on Technext.
The minister noted that applications are still available for Nigerians who are yet to partake in the talent accelerator program. He added that the learning initiative will expose participants to learn in-demand tech skills and become part of a pool of technical talent for the growing digital economy in Nigeria and globally.
“I am pleased to announce that Cohort 3 of @3MTTNigeria is now live and we will be enrolling an additional 90,000 Fellows to start their training journey. For those in our 3MTT Community who have been patiently waiting, please visit your dashboard to get the next instructions on how to take the required foundational learning courses and assessment,” he said.
According to the plans released by the ministry, the training will be implemented in multiple phases. The first phase, which is Cohort 1, accommodated 30,000 people, while 270,000 fellows were enrolled for the second cohort in March this year.
During the selection of fellows for the second cohort of the program, the Minister disclosed that a significant number of fellows in the first cohort of the program were being placed into jobs as interns all over the country.
Tijani also said all the fellows from the first phase were at a stage where they would be participating in tech competitions like hackathons within their states. This will aid in putting what they’ve learned into practice. It will enhance their ability to work together with their peers and build solutions that can showcase their expertise.
About 3MTT
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program is a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to power its digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter.
The program started with 30,000 Nigerians, representing 1% of the 3 million target, while the 270,000 selected for the second cohort increased the quota to 10%. The 90,000 participants picked for the third cohort now brings the number to 13%.
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
To achieve the program’s target, Tijani said the different phases will be executed based on the framework co-created with key stakeholders across government agencies. It extends to training providers, educational institutions, development agencies, and the private sector.
In November 2023 the Federal Government partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to facilitate paid internships for 3,000 participants enrolled in the 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) initiative.
At the heart of this transformative initiative lies a commitment to empower communities at the grassroots level. The 3 Million Technical Training (3MTT) program’s funding, including provisions for dedicated learning community managers, exemplifies a localized approach to skill development. By nurturing talent in various regions, the program not only strengthens the skills of individuals but also enriches the fabric of local communities.
Some of the skills Nigerians are being trained on include skills that utilize technology to enhance various roles without directly involving tech creation. These include Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, and UX/UI Design, among several others.
Also Read: 3,000 3MTT graduates to get UNDP internship for one year.
FG and Google launched N2.8bn Google fund to train AI talents
Recall that two weeks ago, the FMCIDE announced a N2.8 billion Google fund to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria. Provided through Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, the fund will bolster the Ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.
It is also part of Google.org’s broader $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Earlier this year, the Ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians.
Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and Minister Bosun Tijani
In a significant step toward advancing the AI ecosystem, the Ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google.
The Fund will see each selected startup receive N100 million in funding, along with up to $ 3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions. Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.
Read More: Ministry of Communications names Emeka Afigbo, Iyin Aboyeji, others in 3MTT Advisory Committee.
The post 3MTT: 90,000 Nigerians selected for 3rd cohort, more to come first appeared on Technext.