The ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program in Nigeria, spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is set to unfold in three distinctive stages, as outlined in the government’s disclosed implementation strategy.
In an announcement made on the digital platform X, previously known as Twitter, Minister Tijani revealed that the program, boasting over a million applicants, is poised to kick off with an introductory artificial intelligence (AI) course. This strategic move is part of the meticulous process to shape a cohort of 30,000 fellows who will embark on a transformative learning journey.
As of November 6, the program had witnessed an overwhelming response, with applications surpassing the one-million mark. Minister Tijani promptly communicated this milestone to the eager applicants, assuring them to anticipate further instructions through email. Those fortunate enough to have received and confirmed the email are currently in the onboarding phase, a critical step in the realization of this groundbreaking initiative.
All the 1m+ applicants for #3MTT are being onboarded onto the fellow platform and sign posted to an intro to #AI course while they await news on the first cohort. It is reassuring to see many of them complete the course within hours. We are onto something and I am excited…
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) November 8, 2023
In an update on the progress, Minister Tijani disclosed that the onboarding process includes directing all 1 million-plus #3MTT applicants to an introductory #AI course. This preparatory step is crucial as it serves as a foundation for the subsequent selection of the first cohort. Notably, Tijani expressed his satisfaction in observing a significant number of applicants swiftly completing the AI course, hinting at the program’s promising trajectory.
However, amid the positive momentum, some program applicants have encountered challenges. Grievances shared in the minister’s post shed light on individuals who have not received confirmation emails. Technical glitches and issues related to one-time passwords (OTPs) have compounded the registration process for a segment of the applicants.
This revelation underscores the necessity for a seamless and robust onboarding process, ensuring that all eligible participants can fully engage with the program. Minister Tijani acknowledged the issues faced by some applicants and assured swift resolutions. Addressing the concerns, he emphasized the commitment to resolving technical glitches and facilitating a smooth experience for every aspiring participant.
The 3MTT program’s emphasis on AI education aligns with the growing importance of technology in shaping the future workforce. Nigeria’s proactive approach to nurturing technical talent at such a large scale reflects a forward-thinking strategy to position the nation at the forefront of technological innovation.
As the onboarding phase progresses and the first cohort is selected, the 3MTT program holds the promise of not only equipping individuals with AI skills but also fostering a community of tech-savvy professionals. The excitement expressed by Minister Tijani underscores the transformative potential of this initiative, as the landscape of technical education in Nigeria evolves to meet the demands of the digital age.
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