Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent Program: Aiming for AI Excellence

Unveiling a New Era of AI Training

Nigeria is making strides in the world of artificial intelligence through its ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. With over one million applicants signed up for an introductory AI course, the excitement is palpable. This initiative aims to train participants in a variety of tech-adjacent skills, paving the way for a digitally-savvy workforce.

Onboarding: The First Step to Greatness

The onboarding process is underway, with all applicants being introduced to the AI course while they await selection for the initial cohort of 30,000 fellows. Minister Bosun Tijani announced on social media that many applicants are already speeding through the materials—a promising sign of enthusiasm in the digital air.

Addressing Technical Glitches

However, not all that glitters is gold. Some applicants have encountered hitches, like technical glitches that are causing confusion over registration confirmations and one-time passwords (OTPs). Fear not, future AI wizards—the minister is aware and working on these roadblocks!

Training Stages: A Phased Approach

The training will unfold in three stages:

1. Phase One: 30,000 participants will dive into key skills, excluding direct tech creation.
2. Phase Two: An expansion will involve 300,000 eager learners.
3. Phase Three: The grand goal of engaging three million talent-ready individuals.

This strategic rollout aims to integrate multiple stakeholders, including training providers and partners for comprehensive engagement.

Skillsets for Future Success

Participants in the program can look forward to honing their skills in critical areas like:

• Digital marketing
• Project management software
• Cloud navigation
• Data analysis and visualization
• Search engine optimization
• Customer relations management
• Graphics design
• User experience/user interface design

These skills are essential, as they won’t just be confined to coding—participants will learn how to leverage technology to boost productivity across various roles.

Supporting the AI Endeavor

In a bid to catalyze growth in AI, the Nigerian government has also provided grants to 45 startups and researchers focused on AI innovations. This initiative is part of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme aimed at stimulating economic development through AI.