MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its central role in Nigeria’s digital transformation by committing ₦3 billion (approximately USD 3 million) to the Federal Government’s flagship initiative, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme. This multi-faceted investment underscores the telecom giant’s dedication to equipping Nigerian youth with the skills and support needed to thrive in the global digital economy.
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A Strategic Public–Private Partnership
First launched in October 2023 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the 3MTT Programme is a bold effort to train 3 million Nigerians by 2027 in high-demand technical and digital competencies.
MTN Nigeria was among the earliest backers of this vision, alongside key institutions such as:
- The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE)
- Pan‑African United Foundation (PAUF)
- Lagos Business School
The telco has supported the strategy from its onset, helping establish the 197 Applied Learning Cluster (ALC) partners that facilitate on-site instruction nationwide.
Investment Breakdown: ₦1.45 B Training + ₦1.5 B Data + ₦50 M Devices
MTN Nigeria’s ₦3 billion commitment is structured to address specific barriers that learners face:
- ₦1.45 billion for Training Delivery
Direct funding for curriculum development and instruction across two cohorts, through payments to ALCs. - ₦1.5 billion in Data Grants
Subsidies to alleviate connectivity challenges, enabling smooth online course uptake. - ₦50 million for Raspberry Pi Devices
Empowered hands-on learning in secondary schools via Buildathon programmes, benefiting roughly 3,500 young innovators.
Empowering Over 90,000 Learners
To date, MTN-backed cohorts have impacted more than 90,000 Nigerian youths. These participants have received training in cutting-edge technical fields like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, Product Management, Software Development, UI/UX design, and more.
The hybrid learning model—featuring online courses, in-person mentorship, and hands-on labs—has fostered environments where critical thinking, creative teamwork, and practical problem-solving can flourish.
Government Praise & Private Sector Momentum
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, hailed MTN’s sustained engagement:
“MTN Nigeria has been a committed partner … laying the foundation for what has become the world’s largest tech talent accelerator … partnerships like this are vital in ensuring opportunity is not limited by geography or circumstance.”
He emphasised that such collaborations are critical to Nigeria’s ambitions of becoming a “net exporter” of technical skills.
From the private sector, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Olutokun Toriola echoed this, stating:
“As a technology company committed to advancing Africa’s progress, we recognise that digital skills are the bedrock of innovation, employment and economic inclusion. Our commitment … is a commitment to Nigeria’s future.”
This marks a notable wave of private support. Airtel Africa has contributed ₦1 billion, and infrastructure firm IHS Towers has pledged ₦1 billion—showcasing a shared corporate vision for digital capacity building.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
Nigeria’s digital ecosystems have long been constrained by:
- High costs of data and devices
- Poor connectivity, especially in remote regions
- Inadequate infrastructure
MTN’s interventions directly mitigate these challenges:
- Data grants support learners who may otherwise not afford sustained access
- The distribution of Raspberry Pi kits transforms abstract online lessons into tangible learning and innovation experiences
Together, these initiatives build resilient, inclusive pathways into global digital professions.
A Robust Rollout Supporting Massive Scale
3MTT’s phased rollout highlights its rapid growth:
| Phase | Period | Target Number of Fellows | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Dec 2023 – Mar 2024 | 30,000 | Pilot with nationwide reach |
| Phase 2 | Feb 2024 onwards | 270,000 | Delivered in three cohorts |
| Phase 3 | Jun 2025 ongoing | ~90,000 | Current cohort backed by MTN |
The programme has even received over 1.8 million applications—a testament to soaring interest. The plan includes expansion via the new Talent Cities Initiative, aiming to create a network of digital campuses and 500,000 jobs by 2027.
Momentum Towards a Digital-Tech Hub
As it progresses, 3MTT aspires not just to train talent but to embed it in economic growth engines:
- Positioning Nigeria as a global exporter of tech skills
- Generating millions of digital jobs for youth
- Enhancing earning and innovation opportunities in underserved areas
NITDA, the implementing agency, projects that, by 2027, over 70% of Nigerians will possess at least basic digital literacy and technical capabilities—a striking leap from current levels.
MTN Nigeria: Beyond Connectivity to Capability
MTN’s ₦3 billion contribution is part of its broader youth-skilling ecosystem:
- Since 2018, over 4,000 youths have been trained through strategic partnerships with Oracle, IBM, Google, Meta, Microsoft, KPMG, CISCO and others.
- The latest phase of MTN’s ICT and Business Skills Training project is focused on 3,000 small business owners aged 18–35, with data and equipment support valued at ₦90 million.
MTN’s strategy demonstrates a comprehensive effort, supporting informal micro-entrepreneurs and formal digital trainees alike.
What Lies Ahead: Deepening Impact, Scaling Outcomes
MTN has confirmed its commitment to maintain and expand support in future 3MTT phases, with particular emphasis on underserved communities and mentorship systems.
Key forward steps include:
- Growing the Network of Applied Learning Clusters in more localities
- Delivering stronger mentorship and placement programs
- Introducing talent exchange programmes and outsourcing hubs under the Talent Cities framework
If maintained, this commitment could dramatically shift Nigeria’s digital skills landscape by 2027.
Final Thoughts
MTN Nigeria’s ₦3 billion investment is far more than a financial donation—it’s a catalyst for structural transformation. By addressing affordability, infrastructure, access, and real-world application, MTN is partnering with government and civil society to deliver impact at scale.
Their efforts help build:
- A pipeline of highly skilled tech talent
- Digital inclusion in underserved regions
- Opportunities for Nigeria to aspire to tech export status
This is more than just training—it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future competitiveness, innovation, and economic resilience.
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