Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy on 3MTT Program
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, recently announced that over a million applicants will take an introductory artificial intelligence (AI) course as part of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. The minister shared this information on X (formerly Twitter), stating that all applicants are being onboarded onto the platform before selecting the initial cohort of 30,000 fellows.
The minister revealed that program applications had surpassed one million and instructed applicants to expect further instructions via email. Those who received and confirmed the email are currently being onboarded and are swiftly finishing the AI course.
However, several program applicants haven’t received confirmation emails and are experiencing technical glitches with registration confirmation and one-time passwords (OTPs).
Three Stages of Training
The training will unfold in three stages according to the government’s disclosed implementation strategy. The initial phase aims to involve 30,000 participants, followed by plans for 300,000 in the second stage, and a comprehensive program for three million in the third phase. This program is conducted in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency and will engage various stakeholders.
Skills Training in Phase One
During the initial phase, participants will receive training in skills leveraging technology to enhance diverse roles. These skills include digital marketing, project management software, cloud platforms navigation, data analysis and visualization, search engine optimization, customer relations management, accounting software, graphics design, and user experience/user interface design.
Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme
In October, the Nigerian government announced grants of 5 million naira ($6,444) to 45 AI-focused startups and researchers as part of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme. This initiative is designed to facilitate the widespread utilization of AI to drive economic advancement.
Hot Take: Nigeria’s Tech Training Initiative Gains Momentum
Nigeria’s tech training initiative is gaining momentum with over a million applicants for the 3MTT program undergoing introductory AI courses. Despite some technical glitches faced by applicants during onboarding, this program promises to equip participants with essential tech skills in three phases. Additionally, Nigeria’s focus on fostering AI research and startups through grant programs demonstrates its commitment to advancing technological innovation in the country.