3MTT: Over 300,000 Apply, Expanding Reach to Lagos and Kano

Lagos and Kano have emerged as the top two states with the highest number of beneficiaries slated for selection in the ongoing applications for the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to harness and nurture technical talent across Nigeria, has already generated substantial interest, with applications pouring in from all corners of the country.

Information made available by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in the program’s implementation plan indicates that in the first phase aimed at training 30,000 individuals, Lagos will see 2,040 trainees selected, while Kano State closely follows with 1,628 trainees to be included.

The specifics of the criteria used for allocating these numbers were not explicitly mentioned, but it is likely linked to the population distribution, as Lagos and Kano are renowned for their status as the most densely populated states in Nigeria. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as of 2016, Kano and Lagos had respective populations of 13 million and 12.5 million.

In addition to Lagos and Kano, other states that will witness significant numbers of beneficiaries in the first phase of the program include Rivers (1,450), Oyo (1,327), Delta (1,212), Kaduna (1,155), Ogun (1,043), Imo (1,030), and Akwa Ibom (1,004). On the contrary, all other states will have fewer than 1,000 trainees chosen to complete the initial 30,000 slots.

The level of interest and participation in the program has exceeded expectations. As of October 19, just a week after the applications opened on October 13, 2023, a staggering 330,713 Nigerians had submitted their applications for the available 30,000 positions. The Ministry has not yet specified a closing date for applications, and at the time of compiling this report, the program website remained open to new applicants.

The 3MTT program is integral to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda, with the aim of building a robust technical talent pool to drive the nation’s digital economy and position Nigeria as a hub for exporting technical expertise. The first phase of the program is being executed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and involves various stakeholders, including fellows, training providers, partners, and placement organizations.

In this initial phase, the government intends to identify individuals with an interest in specific technical skills and sponsor the costs of their training through approved training providers. The Minister outlined the approach of the first phase, stating:

“In line with the Ministry’s 1%-10%-100% implementation approach, this first phase will aim to train and place 30,000 technical talents, representing 1% of our overall target. It will be executed based on the framework co-created with key stakeholders across government agencies, training providers, educational institutions, development agencies, and the private sector.”

The skills to be imparted to Nigerians during this initial phase encompass a wide range of technical competencies that employ technology to enhance various roles, even if they do not directly involve tech creation. These skills include Digital Marketing, Project Management Software, Cloud Platforms Navigation, Data Analysis and Visualization, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), CRM Management, Accounting Software, Graphics Design, UX/UI Design, and more.

The government is putting a strong emphasis on this first phase, which is just the beginning of a more extensive endeavor. With a commitment to training and placing 30,000 individuals, it marks a vital step towards realizing the government’s ambitious target of nurturing three million technical talents in the long run.

The choice of Lagos and Kano as the leading states for beneficiary selection may be due to their significant population sizes, reflecting the government’s intention to distribute the program’s opportunities proportionally. Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub and most populous state, plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic landscape, while Kano, a major commercial center in the north, is known for its vibrant trade activities.

The enormous response to the 3MTT program within such a short period underscores the pent-up demand for technical skills and the opportunity for professional development among Nigerians. As the applications continue to roll in, it remains to be seen how the government will manage the selection process and meet the high expectations surrounding this initiative.

With the initiation of the 3MTT program, the government is taking significant strides to bridge the technical skills gap and stimulate the growth of a vibrant digital economy. By investing in the development of technical talent and harnessing the potential of Nigerians across various states, the government is setting the stage for a more prosperous and digitally connected future.