Airtel Nigeria, in a landmark collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, has officially rolled out the NextGen by Airtel & 3MTT Fellowship, setting its sights on training 25,000 young Nigerians in tech across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This bold move builds on the existing 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and represents a major scale-up of Airtel’s commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment.
According to the Ministry, the fellowship will take place in 46 local government areas and leverage 45 Applied Learning Centres (ALCs) nationwide, delivering training in high-demand fields such as software development, data analytics, product design, and digital marketing.
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Building Skills Through Real-World Learning and Mentorship
At the heart of the NextGen Fellowship is an immersive learning experience. Fellows will engage in live projects, hackathons, masterclasses, and community showcases — all designed to sharpen their technical skills and prepare them for real-world challenges.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, praised the partnership as a powerful example of public–private collaboration. He emphasised that this initiative will help unlock talent across the country and equip young Nigerians with the competencies needed for tomorrow’s digital economy.
From Airtel’s side, CEO Dinesh Balsingh highlighted that the telecom company is not just providing connectivity — it’s investing in Nigeria’s youth as the architects of its digital future.
Strategic Support and National Ambition
This fellowship is funded in part by a significant ₦1 billion grant from Airtel Africa Foundation to the 3MTT programme, which was previously announced. The grant underscores Airtel’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and supporting the country’s human capital development.
By aligning with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the NextGen Fellowship is part of a broader vision to equip the country’s youth with future-ready skills.
Airtel is also tapping into its existing infrastructure — using its network reach and in-country platforms — to make this training accessible, especially for young people in underserved regions.
Pathway to a Digital Future for Nigerian Youth
Applications for the programme are now open via the official NextGen 3MTT website. According to the fellowship’s site, selected participants will follow one of several learning tracks — hybrid, peer-led, or fully virtual — depending on their location and access to learning centres.
The aim is not only to produce job-ready tech talent but to foster innovation, collaboration, and a national ecosystem where young Nigerians can experiment, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital narrative.
NextGen Fellowship Nigeria is more than a skills training programme; it’s a strategic investment in the country’s future. By bringing public and private sectors together, Airtel and the Federal Government are charting a clear course: to nurture the next generation of tech leaders and close Nigeria’s digital talent gap.
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