Airtel Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, has launched the NextGen by Airtel & 3MTT Fellowship, a major programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next wave of tech innovators and problem-solvers.
This new fellowship represents the latest phase of the ongoing Airtel × 3MTT partnership, expanding on previous cohorts to deliver advanced digital skills training, mentorship, and community-driven learning to thousands of young Nigerians through over 45 learning centres nationwide.
According to Airtel, the initiative reinforces its dedication to digital empowerment by using its technology, infrastructure, and broad network to connect youths to opportunities in high-growth tech areas including software engineering, data analytics, product design, and digital marketing.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, praised the programme as a strong example of the impact of public–private collaboration.
“The NextGen Fellowship reflects what meaningful public–private partnerships can achieve. Airtel’s support is helping us develop talent at scale and ensure the skills we teach match the needs of tomorrow’s digital economy.”
The fellowship will offer hands-on learning, industry-relevant projects, and expert mentorship through Airtel-supported Applied Learning Centres (ALCs). Participants will also enjoy access to Airtel-led masterclasses, innovation showcases, and hackathons that promote creativity and collaboration across Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s digital landscape.
“Through the NextGen Fellowship under the 3MTT programme, we are reinforcing our belief that Nigerian youth are central to the country’s digital future. This fellowship opens real pathways for young people to learn, innovate, and lead.”
Balsingh also noted that Airtel is supporting the Federal Government’s vision by helping to train 25,000 young tech professionals across 46 local government areas in all 36 states and the FCT.
This launch builds on Airtel’s continued investments in youth development and education, strengthening its role as a key contributor to Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Applications for the first cohort of the NextGen by Airtel & 3MTT Fellowship are now officially open
