To accelerate Nigeria’s ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the federal government recently announced the formation of an advisory committee comprised of some of the nation’s most respected tech leaders. This committee is tasked with steering the program toward its target of equipping three million Nigerians with the digital skills essential for driving growth in Nigeria’s digital economy and preparing a globally competitive workforce.
The committee, chaired by Emeka Afigbo, Senior Director of Developer Success at Okta, will guide the strategic direction and ensure alignment with industry standards and employment trends. By involving top leaders with diverse expertise, the government aims to solidify the 3MTT program’s foundation and maximize its reach and impact.
Purpose of the Advisory Committee
Months after the initial launch of the 3MTT initiative, which enrolled its first cohort of 30,000 participants, the advisory committee was established to provide structured oversight and expert guidance for the program’s growth. As Nigeria works toward the massive goal of training three million people, the committee will play a critical role in refining the curriculum, improving delivery models, and ensuring that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of both the local and global tech job market.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized the importance of the committee in bridging government ambitions with real-world expertise, saying it represents a step toward a “digital economy powered by Nigerian talent.” With this group’s guidance, the 3MTT initiative aims to position Nigeria as a net exporter of tech talent—a significant milestone in the country’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Key Figures and Their Roles
The committee members, each bringing distinct expertise and experience, will contribute to the 3MTT program’s various components:
- Emeka Afigbo (Chair): As an advocate for developer success and community building, Afigbo’s background at Meta and Google will be invaluable in creating a supportive ecosystem for Nigerian developers.
- Iyinoluwa Aboyeji: A well-known figure in Africa’s tech scene and co-founder of companies like Andela and Flutterwave, Aboyeji’s entrepreneurial insights will help shape the program’s long-term vision and appeal to young, aspiring professionals.
- Ope Bukola: With her experience in education technology, Bukola will support the program’s goal to scale tech education in Nigeria, advising on curriculum development and training methods.
- Oji Udezue: Former Chief Product Officer at Typeform, Calendly, and Twitter, Udezue brings a wealth of knowledge in product strategy and will help ensure the 3MTT program remains innovative and impactful.
- Joy Omoregie: Her expertise in go-to-market strategies for emerging markets will help align the 3MTT training programs with real industry demand, particularly as Nigeria’s tech industry matures.
- Bola Lawal: With a strong background in digital finance, Lawal’s input will help tailor training programs to align with current job market needs, emphasizing practical, business-aligned skills.
- Amal Hassan: CEO of Outsource Global, Hassan’s experience in job creation and outsourcing is instrumental in building pathways for 3MTT graduates to secure meaningful employment both locally and internationally.
3MTT’s Phased Implementation and Skills Focus
The program’s first cohort of 30,000 participants and its second cohort of 270,000 trainees highlight a phased approach that will help scale the initiative sustainably. Under the committee’s guidance, each phase will incorporate feedback, refine its methodology, and leverage partnerships with educational institutions, tech companies, and government agencies to broaden its reach.
Training is tailored to a wide array of in-demand skills, covering core technology roles such as software development and data analysis, as well as critical digital economy skills like digital marketing, UX/UI design, project management, and cloud platforms. The advisory committee will ensure that the training remains responsive to industry shifts and prepares participants not only for traditional tech roles but also for positions where digital skills are applied to various sectors, creating broader employment opportunities.
