The 3MTT NextGen Fellowship is now open for applications, offering one of Nigeria’s most ambitious digital talent development programmes. The initiative is powered by a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Airtel Africa Foundation, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat. It is designed to identify, train, and elevate exceptional young Nigerians who are ready to build careers and solutions in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
The fellowship is a special track under the national 3 Million Technical Talent programme and serves as a launchpad for young innovators who want to master advanced digital skills, build real solutions, access mentorship, and gain national career opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria
• Must be a young Nigerian eager to build a digital or technical career
• Must have interest in software, data, cybersecurity, UI/UX, cloud, product management, or AI
• Must be committed to completing the fellowship learning journey
• Must be willing to participate in projects, hackathons and group collaborations
• Ideal for learners, job seekers, creators, innovators and those transitioning into tech
Why the Fellowship Matters
The 3MTT NextGen Fellowship is a national investment in digital talent. It matters because it creates real pathways into Nigeria’s growing technology workforce.
• For fellows, it offers premium training, mentorship, hands-on experience and career opportunities that help them compete globally.
• For the tech industry, it provides a reliable stream of job-ready, industry-trained young professionals who can support innovation and growth.
• For Nigeria, it strengthens the country’s position as a global talent hub and builds a digitally skilled population capable of driving development.
What Participants Will Gain
The fellowship delivers a wide range of benefits, ensuring that graduates of the programme are job-ready, innovation-ready and impact-ready.
• Flexible digital learning that allows learners to study at their own pace
• Project-based training including group tasks, real-world assignments and hackathons
• Mentorship from experienced experts at Airtel Africa, NITDA and the 3MTT Secretariat
• National innovation challenges that help fellows showcase their creativity and technical strength
• Externship matching, job placement support and access to career opportunities
• Digital badges and certificates that strengthen professional portfolios
• A strong nationwide community of innovators and creators
Skills Covered in the Fellowship
Participants receive training across multiple high-demand digital fields, including
• Software development
• Data science and analytics
• UI/UX design
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Product management
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
How the Fellowship Works
The programme follows a clear process from application to career support.
• Step one is for applicants to register on the official portal and complete the assessment.
• Step two involves shortlisting top-performing candidates based on potential, curiosity and commitment.
• Step three connects selected fellows to learning groups, mentorship sessions and innovation challenges.
• Step four focuses on launching each fellow through externships, employment pathways, global opportunities and continued innovation support.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is open to
• Young Nigerians seeking structured training in digital skills
• Learners who want real project experience
• Job seekers looking for high-growth tech careers
• Creators and innovators building tech-driven solutions
• Professionals transitioning into digital roles
Programme Partners
The fellowship is delivered through a partnership between
• The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
• The Airtel Africa Foundation
• NITDA
• The 3MTT Secretariat
These partners are jointly working to build Nigeria’s next generation of top digital talent.
Application Link
Interested applicants can apply through the official portal at
nextgen.3mttnigeria.com
