In a bold move to advance Nigeria’s digital economy, the Federal Government has revealed the selection of an additional 90,000 Nigerians for the third cohort of its ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. This announcement, made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Tuesday, marks yet another leap in a program that could transform the nation’s tech landscape.
A Race Against Time: Open Applications Still Available
The Minister’s words carried an undertone of urgency as he emphasized that applications remain open. For those who have not yet joined the initiative, the message was clear: time is ticking. “Nigerians who are not yet part of the learning community can still participate,” he urged. There’s a chance to acquire critical, in-demand tech skills, but how long will this window stay open?
The Minister’s Cryptic Announcement
Taking to his X handle, Dr. Tijani dropped a short but weighty message:
“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.”
The online post set off a wave of anticipation and speculation, especially among those who had been anxiously waiting for this update. But questions linger—what’s hidden behind the scenes of this massive rollout?
A Phased Approach: Secrets of the Strategy
The government’s implementation strategy appears methodical, almost calculated. The first cohort saw 30,000 selected; the second cohort surged to 270,000 earlier this year. Now, with an additional 90,000 chosen, what’s the endgame? According to insiders, the training will unfold in multiple phases, each designed to build the foundation for a transformative digital workforce.
But whispers in the corridors of tech circles suggest that there’s more at stake than just skill acquisition.
The Internships and Hackathons: A Test of Skill or Something More?
During the announcement of the second cohort, the Minister revealed that several fellows from the first phase had secured internships across the country. But there’s a twist. These aren’t your typical internships; they are testing grounds. Fellows will soon face off in state-wide hackathons—a true trial by fire to prove their skills. Are these hackathons merely for show, or are they a litmus test to identify the brightest minds who could shape Nigeria’s digital future?
What Lies Ahead: The Renewed Hope Agenda
The stakes are high, and the 3MTT program is not just another government initiative. As Dr. Tijani highlighted, it’s a crucial pillar of the Renewed Hope agenda—a strategic blueprint to position Nigeria as a global hub of tech talent. But achieving this goal won’t be easy. Out of the ambitious target of 3 million, only 10% has been reached so far.
A Collaborative Effort or a Race Against Time?
The execution of this initiative is shrouded in careful planning, involving government agencies, private sector allies, and educational institutions. The Minister emphasized that each phase is being rolled out according to a carefully co-created framework, but will this collaboration be enough to meet the towering target? There’s an unmistakable tension in the air as deadlines loom.
Source: NairaMetrics