3MTT: Inside Nigeria’s Ambitious Drive to Train Three Million Tech Talents — With 30,000 Already Upskilled Nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria is laying the foundation for a youthful, globally competitive digital workforce that will power the country’s next chapter of economic growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. 

Speaking in Abuja at the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) National Impact Summit and the launch of the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund, the President—represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—described digital competency as the backbone of Nigeria’s push toward a trillion-dollar economy.

The nation’s number one citizen said the administration’s focus on technical skills, productivity and innovation is driven by the understanding that the future belongs to countries that cultivate dynamic, tech-enabled workforces. 

The 3MTT programme, launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, he explained, is central to that vision, with a mandate to train three million young Nigerians, create two million tech jobs, and position the country as a global exporter of premium digital talent.

According to the President, digital skills now define growth across vital sectors—from healthcare and agriculture to finance, education, manufacturing and public service—making it essential for Nigeria’s youth population to be prepared for a technology-driven future. 

He said the programme has moved from concept to nationwide impact, recording over 1.8 million applications from every local government in the country and upskilling a first cohort of 30,000 young Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT.

Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to remain determined, focused, and committed to becoming the workforce that will drive Nigeria’s next development chapter.

The President said the real power of 3MTT lies not only in skills acquisition but in the emergence of a generation capable of creating solutions, expanding enterprise, and contributing to the global tech marketplace. 

“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise, and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. From passive consumers of technology, we must become active creators and exporters of talent,” he said.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described Nigeria’s digital economy as one of the most attractive for investment in Africa. 

Tijani said the administration recognised a gap of more than 4.5 million unfilled tech jobs in 2023 and responded by establishing what is now the world’s largest technology talent accelerator. 

The minister praised President Tinubu’s vision and the support of private-sector partners and development organisations.

At the summit, beneficiaries shared stories of how the programme has transformed their lives and communities. Hauwa Yakubu Aliyu, from Jigawa State, said 3MTT equipped her with skills that helped her empower farmers through greenhouse farming technologies. She recalled receiving a fully funded trip to China, where she represented Nigeria at the Huawei ICT Tech4Good Global Summit, as well as a new laptop that supported her training and project development.

 Lagos-based military personnel Adelani Adelaja testified that the programme has enhanced his professionalism, giving him the capacity to build logistics solutions and train colleagues in digital skills.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative, Elsie Attafuah, commended the administration for choosing “reform over retreat, courage over comfort, and the future over the past,” while the European Union Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, announced a $48 million contribution to the 3MTT Digital Skills Fund.

A wave of goodwill messages followed, with 3MTT partners—including Google, Moniepoint, Airtel, IHS, Secure ID and Huawei—praising the government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s technical talent base and strengthening the digital economy. 

The event closed with a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to building a foundation that ensures Nigeria’s young population becomes globally competitive and economically empowered for decades to come.