The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has revealed that more than 1 million applicants for the government’s 3 million technical talent (3MTT) program will be required to complete an introductory course on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Dr. Tijani made this announcement in a post on X, stating that all the applicants are currently being onboarded onto the program’s platform in preparation for the selection of the first cohort, which will consist of 30,000 fellows.
Earlier this week, the Minister disclosed that the number of program applications had exceeded 1 million, and he informed the applicants to anticipate further instructions via their email.
A group of applicants who have received the email and confirmed their registration is now in the process of being onboarded onto the fellow platform.
Progress and hurdles in the 3MTT program application process
While expressing his satisfaction that some of the applicants already onboarded are rapidly finishing the AI course, the Minister stated:
“All the 1m+ applicants for #3MTT are being onboarded onto the fellow platform and directed to an introduction to #AI course while awaiting updates on the first cohort. It’s reassuring to witness many of them successfully complete the course within hours. We’re making significant progress, and I’m eagerly observing it all unfold.”
In the meantime, many program applicants have not yet received the confirmation email from the program team, as revealed by complaints in response to the Minister’s post.
In what appears to be a technical issue with the 3MTT platform, some applicants are encountering difficulties in progressing with their registration confirmation, as they are not receiving the necessary One Time Passwords (OTPs) to complete the process.
Read More: IHS Towers donates N1bn to Bosun Tijani’s 3MTT program for 3 years salaries payment
3MTT program phases and skill highlights
According to the government’s outlined implementation plans, the training will be structured into three phases. The initial phase is set to accommodate 30,000 individuals, followed by the second phase with 300,000 participants, and the third phase will encompass the remaining 3 million.
The inaugural phase, conducted in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will engage many stakeholders, including fellows, training providers, partners, and placement organizations.
Minister Tijani has detailed that the first phase will impart skills to Nigerians that leverage technology to enhance various roles, focusing on areas such as 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.
3MTT Phases: A path to digital empowerment
The ultimate phase of the 3MTT program will include the rest of the targeted 3 million participants. Upon the conclusion of this phase, the government aims to have transformed a total of 3 million Nigerians into a tech-savvy workforce, capable of contributing to the digital economy in various capacities.
This three-phase approach not only empowers individuals with digital skills but also aligns with the broader vision of Nigeria’s digital transformation. It’s a strategic move to bridge the digital divide and equip the workforce with skills that are increasingly vital in the modern world. The 3MTT program is a path to digital empowerment, setting the stage for Nigeria to become a more technologically advanced and competitive nation on the global stage.
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