The Nigerian Federal Government announced that the Airtel Africa Foundation has awarded it a N1 billion grant to expand its 3 Million Technical Talent program.
On Wednesday, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, revealed and accepted the receipt of the check from Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Foundation.
Supported by the Minister, the 3MTT program seeks to close the digital gap and establish Nigeria as a major force in the world of technology as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic talent-building plans for the tech industry.
The grant’s intended usage, according to Tijani, will be used to equip more than 25,000 Nigerians with technical skills that are in high demand through the 3MTT program.
“The Airtel Africa Foundation awarded us a N1 billion grant today for our 3MTT Nigeria initiative.
The award will support job placement programs, community involvement, and practical training aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital workforce in line with H.E. President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Airtel Africa Foundation for working with them to establish Nigeria as a major force in the world of technology.
Tijani pointed out that the government’s dedication to creating a strong digital economy in Nigeria is anchored by the 3MTT initiative.
In his speech, Dr. Ogunsanya emphasized Airtel’s commitment to using its primary levers to promote the expansion of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, Airtel is a firm believer in the potential of digital skills and technology to create new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve communities.
He claims that the 3MTT initiative is a daring move to guarantee that Nigerian youths lead the digital revolution rather than merely participate in it.
Nigeria’s future workforce and prosperity are strategically invested in with our N1 billion contribution, he stated.
Prior assistance, the second significant boost to the 3MTT initiative since its inception in 2023 was the N1 billion funding from the Airtel Africa Foundation.
The government and IHS Tower, a telecom infrastructure business, inked a N1 billion agreement in November 2023 to construct learning villages around Nigeria for the 3MTT initiative.
The N1 billion in financing from IHS Towers also includes a pledge to cover the wages of 37 committed learning community managers for each site over the following three years, the Minister said.
Nigeria’s future workforce and prosperity are strategically invested in with our N1 billion contribution, he stated. Remember that the 3MTT initiative began with 30,000 Nigerians, or 1% of the 3 million objective. Additional 270,000 were eventually chosen for the second cohort, increasing the total to 10%.
According to Tijani, the various phases of the program will be carried out in accordance with the framework that was jointly developed with important players from government agencies, training providers, educational institutions, development agencies, and the business sector in order to meet its goal.
Nigerians are receiving training in a variety of skills, such as how to use technology to improve certain professions without really creating new technology.
Among them are Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CRM Management, Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, and UX/UI Design.
