Airtel & 3MTT Launch NextGen Fellowship to Train 25,000 Young Nigerians for Digital Careers

Airtel Nigeria, in partnership with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, has announced the NextGen Fellowship, a major programme aimed at training 25,000 young Nigerians in critical digital and technology skills.

Backed by a ₦1 billion grant from the Airtel Africa Foundation, the fellowship will cover a broad range of in‑demand tech areas, including software development, data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, UI/UX design, and cybersecurity. The goal is to prepare trainees for the global digital economy and remote-work opportunities.

Learning under the NextGen Fellowship will be delivered through a hybrid model. Fellows can attend any of the 45 Applied Learning Centres located across Nigeria, or join fully virtual peer-led cohorts. The training includes hands-on project work, mentorship from industry experts, and externship opportunities to give participants real-world experience.

According to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, this fellowship is central to building a future‑ready Nigerian tech workforce capable of driving innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and remote work growth. According to Airtel Nigeria, combining its network reach with 3MTT’s training infrastructure will deepen digital inclusion and expand opportunity for young Nigerians.

More than just a skills programme, the NextGen Fellowship is expected to power Nigeria’s broader innovation ecosystem. As more youth acquire technical skills, the country could see a surge in startups, digital service firms, and innovation-led ventures. This development would not only generate economic value but also reduce unemployment among young people in technology-related fields.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, described the programme as a “landmark” public‑private partnership. He emphasized that this type of collaboration can sustainably build a pipeline of highly skilled tech talent across the country.

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The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s long-term digital strategy to close its digital divide, scale up technical talent, and position the nation as a major exporter of digital skills. As global demand for data, cloud, and AI expertise rises, this fellowship could become a key part of Nigeria’s competitive advantage.

Interested young Nigerians including university students, recent graduates, and early-career tech enthusiasts can apply on the official NextGen Fellowship website: nextgen.3mttnigeria.com. Applications are currently open, and early registration is encouraged due to the high demand.