Minister says EU, UNDP-backed internship scheme, global remote roles to bridge gap between training and employment….
The Federal Government says it is putting in place clear employment and placement pathways for beneficiaries of the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme to ensure the initiative translates into real jobs.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Friday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid concerns about whether the programme delivers tangible employment opportunities after training.
According to Tijani, the 3MTT initiative goes beyond classroom learning, stressing that technology careers require practical experience and structured transition into the workforce.
“It’s one thing to spend six months learning, but it’s another thing to be ready for the jobs out there,” the minister said.
He explained that the ministry has set up a dedicated placement team to move trained participants into internship roles within technology companies, helping them gain real-world experience.
Tijani revealed that where companies are reluctant to accept interns due to cost concerns or limited immediate value, the Federal Government secured support from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Jubilee Fellowship Programme to cover interns’ salaries for up to one year.
“In such cases, we pay their salaries for one year so they can build capacity and add value,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the initiative has so far supported nearly 3,000 interns and facilitated placement for over 15,000 trainees, noting that while the figures may appear modest, the focus remains on improving talent quality and employability.
“We know the number is small, but we keep polishing these people,” Tijani added.
He also stated that the ministry is expanding access to global employment opportunities, noting that many foreign companies are increasingly interested in engaging Nigerian tech talent to work remotely while remaining in the country.
To support this, Tijani said the government is signing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) partnerships to help match trained talents with remote digital roles across international markets.
The minister further explained that the 3MTT programme, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was designed to expand Nigeria’s digital economy, address critical skills gaps, and position the country to benefit from rapid global digital innovation.
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