Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025: Empowering Young Nigerian Digital Innovators
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Imagine you’re a young Nigerian with big tech ambitions — whether you’re a learner, job-seeker, creator, or innovator — and you dream of working in software, AI, cybersecurity, product management, or cloud computing. The Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship offers exactly the opportunity to build those skills, gain mentorship, and step into real-world projects that can shape your tech career.
📚 Fellowship Summary
Location: Nigeria (online + in-person via local Applied Learning Centers)
Host / Partners:
3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) — a national programme by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) & NITDA
Airtel Africa Foundation
Program Type: Technical-digital skills fellowship + talent development → training + externship + job placement
Target Group: Young Nigerians interested in building a career in technology
Skills / Fields Covered:
Software Development
Data Science & Analytics
UI/UX Design
Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Product Management
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Program Model / Format: Hybrid learning (online and in-person), peer-led, and fully virtual options.
Benefits:
Free, high-quality digital training
Mentorship from industry experts (Airtel, 3MTT, other partners)
Hands-on project experience and hackathons
Externship and job placement support via 3MTT
National innovation challenges and a tech community
Certificates and digital badges upon completion
Funding / Support: Supported by a ₦1 billion grant from Airtel Africa Foundation to the 3MTT programme.
🌐 Fellowship Overview
The NextGen Fellowship is a specialized track within the larger 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a national Nigerian programme aimed at building a strong technical workforce.
The fellowship leverages a hybrid educational model:
In-person Applied Learning Centers (ALCs): for face-to-face sessions in some locations
Virtual learning: delivered via platforms like Darey.io combined with weekly goals and digital mentorship
Peer-led models: for learners in areas without physical centers, enabling teamwork and collaborative learning.
After training, participants will take part in real-world projects, hackathons, and innovation challenges — all designed to bridge theory and practice. Through externships and placement support, fellows can access internships or full-time roles thanks to 3MTT’s placement hub.
🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship
Free Training: No cost for participants. The training is fully funded, helping remove financial barriers to high-demand tech education.
Mentorship: Fellows receive guidance from experienced professionals from Airtel, 3MTT, and other tech leaders.
Practical Experience: Through hands-on projects and hackathons, fellows can apply what they learn in real-world contexts.
Career Pathways: There is structured support for externships and job placements via the 3MTT Placement Hub.
Recognition: Graduates receive certificates and digital badges, reinforcing their market credibility.
Community: Join a national tech community, collaborate with peers, and gain access to innovation challenges.
🚀 Why It Matters
Scaling Nigeria’s Digital Talent: The fellowship contributes to the national goal of training three million technical talents, helping fill the skills gap in Nigeria’s tech sector.
Public-Private Partnership: It brings together the Nigerian government (FMCIDE), NITDA, and Airtel Africa Foundation — illustrating how collaborative investment can drive large-scale digital transformation.
Economic Impact: By empowering young Nigerians with in-demand skills, the programme strengthens workforce readiness and positions Nigeria as a potential tech talent exporter.
Sustainable Change: Through ongoing placement and community engagement, the fellowship doesn't just train — it supports long-term career trajectories.
📝 How to Apply
Register on the 3MTT/NextGen portal and take the online assessment.
Get Selected: If you pass the assessment and meet eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to join a NextGen cohort.
Start Learning: Depending on your location and selected model, begin training online, in person, or via peer-led groups.
Engage in Projects & Challenges: Participate in hackathons and team-based initiatives to build your portfolio.
Externship & Placement: Use the placement hub to apply for internships, micro-jobs, or full-time roles after training.
Graduate & Get Recognized: Earn certificates, digital badges, and become part of Nigeria’s growing technical community.
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Be clear about your interest: Choose one or more fields (AI, cloud, product, etc.) where you want to specialize, and emphasize that in your application.
Show commitment: Since the programme involves assessments, projects, and hackathons, demonstrate that you're ready to commit.
Leverage peer learning: If your area lacks a physical ALC, the peer-led model can be a powerful way to learn and build networks.
Prepare for assessment: Practice logical reasoning, basic coding, or tech aptitude tests—an entry assessment is part of the selection.
Network: Engage with other 3MTT learners or alumni to understand their journey and collaborate on innovation challenges.
✨ Additional Context & Impact
In March 2025, Airtel Africa Foundation donated ₦1 billion to support the 3MTT programme.
The 3MTT initiative aims to train 3 million Nigerians in technical skills by 2027.
There’s a very strong placement component: trained fellows are ready for micro-jobs, internships, or full-time employment.
Airtel Africa is also building tech hubs in Nigeria to support this talent pipeline.
