The Federal Government’s ambitious 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, as highlighted by Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is poised to make a substantial impact on the digital and technical skills landscape among the nation’s youth. Dr. Maida shared these insights at the City Business News Summit held in Lagos, emphasizing the program’s potential to enhance the capabilities of young Nigerians by a significant 70% by the culmination of 2027.
In a notable shift from conventional education initiatives, the 3MTT program addresses a pressing issue uncovered by a survey conducted by GetBundi, an online educational technology platform. The survey disclosed that a staggering 100 million young Nigerians, constituting 85% of the demographic, currently lack the essential digital skills required for lucrative job opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Dr. Maida expressed optimism that the 3MTT program would act as a transformative force, equipping young Nigerians with the necessary digital acumen to seize promising employment prospects. The program, designed to train 3 million individuals, has already garnered over 1 million applications from eager participants. Dr. Maida asserted that this initiative could significantly bolster Nigeria’s pool of technically skilled professionals, making them more appealing to international employers seeking digital and technical expertise.
Highlighting the economic benefits of the program, Dr. Maida, who was represented by Ismail Adedigba, the Commission’s Director of Research and Development, underscored the positive impact on the nation’s economy. The envisioned upskilling of Nigerian youths, especially those at the young and middle levels, is anticipated to contribute to the economy by an impressive 70% by the conclusion of 2027.
The potential of the 3MTT program aligns with the broader policy framework set by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani. This strategic plan, driven by five pillars encompassing policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital, trade, and knowledge, forms the foundation of the Strategic Vision Plan (2023 – 2025). These pillars are instrumental in guiding efforts to harness the full potential of the telecommunications sector, paving the way for positive change and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Addressing the theme of the summit, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Economy through Telecommunications: 2023 and Beyond,’ Dr. Maida emphasized the crucial role of embracing technological disruption and fostering innovation in driving sustainable growth, economic diversification, and improved living standards for all Nigerians. The vision articulated is to position Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and a net exporter of talent. Moreover, the plan is to deepen the country’s involvement in global research in key technology areas, raising the complexity and dynamics of the economy by significantly increasing digital literacy across Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister’s ambition to create a pipeline of three million technical talents underscores the commitment to realizing this vision. Dr. Maida reiterated the NCC’s dedication to providing an enabling environment for building critical infrastructure essential for powering a robust digital economy. This commitment extends to ensuring improved access to quality broadband connectivity and efficient management of the nation’s spectrum resources.
In conclusion, the 3MTT program emerges as a beacon of hope for addressing the digital skills gap among Nigerian youth. The collaborative efforts of the NCC and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy underscore a strategic approach to position Nigeria as a leading player in the global digital landscape, fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.
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