In a major boost for unemployed and underemployed youths across the Niger Delta and Nigeria, applications have officially opened for the Airtel x 3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2026 — a prestigious, fully-funded digital skills programme targeting exceptional young talents.
Launched this week by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in partnership with the Airtel Africa Foundation, the NextGen Fellowship is a special elite track under the flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. It aims to identify and accelerate Nigeria’s brightest minds into global tech leaders through advanced training, mentorship, and real-world project exposure.
“This is another important milestone in our mission to make Nigeria a net exporter of technology talent,” said Minister Bosun Tijani while announcing the fellowship. Backed by Airtel’s earlier ₦1 billion commitment to the broader 3MTT programme, the NextGen track represents the premium tier — selecting only the most outstanding applicants from the regular 3MTT pool.
Who Can Apply? (Niger Delta Youths Strongly Encouraged)
The fellowship is open to all Nigerians aged 18–35 (with some flexibility for exceptional candidates), including those in the oil-rich but digitally underserved Niger Delta states — Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo, Abia, and Imo.
Key eligibility criteria:
- Nigerian citizenship
- Minimum of SSCE/OND qualification (degree holders welcome)
- Basic computer literacy and strong passion for technology
- Availability for full-time commitment (virtual and possible in-person components)
- No prior professional tech experience required — ideal for fresh graduates, NYSC members, job seekers, and career switchers
Women, persons with disabilities, and applicants from rural/creek communities are particularly encouraged to apply, in line with 3MTT’s inclusive mandate.
What Skills Will Fellows Learn?
Successful candidates will undergo intensive training in high-demand technical areas, including:
- Software Development/Engineering
- Data Science & Analytics
- UI/UX Design
- Cloud Computing & DevOps
- Product Management
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
The curriculum goes beyond basics: Fellows receive expert mentorship from industry leaders, access to cutting-edge tools, portfolio-building projects, and direct pathways to internships or jobs with top tech firms (including potential placements at Airtel and partners).
Benefits That Set NextGen Apart
Unlike the standard 3MTT cohorts, NextGen Fellows enjoy:
- Fully-funded training (no fees whatsoever)
- Monthly stipends during the programme
- Laptops or learning devices for top performers
- Certification recognised globally
- Priority job placement support (many 3MTT alumni already earn ₦300,000–₦1.5 million monthly in remote roles)
- Networking with ministers, CEOs, and international partners
- Opportunity to represent Nigeria in global tech challenges
Over 25,000 Nigerians have already benefited from Airtel-supported 3MTT phases earlier this year, with thousands now working as freelancers on platforms like Upwork or employed by companies such as Microsoft, Google, and local startups.
How to Apply Before It’s Too Late
Applications are 100% online and completely free:
- Visit the official 3MTT application portal: https://app.3mtt.training/apply
- Register/create a profile if new, or log in if you applied to previous cohorts
- Select your preferred technical skill track
- Complete the assessment questions (designed to identify high-potential candidates)
- Top scorers will automatically be shortlisted for the NextGen Fellowship cohort
There is no separate application form — the NextGen selection happens from the general pool based on performance.
Deadline: While no fixed closing date has been announced, the fellowship operates on a rolling basis with limited slots. Early applicants stand the best chance — apply immediately as assessments are ongoing!
Alternatively, visit the dedicated NextGen page: https://nextgen.3mttnigeria.com/ for more inspiration and success stories.
Why Niger Delta Youths Cannot Afford to Miss This
With oil jobs dwindling and environmental challenges limiting traditional livelihoods, tech offers a clean, high-paying escape route. A software developer from Bonny Island or a UI/UX designer from Yenagoa can earn in dollars while working remotely — no need to relocate to Lagos or Abuja.
As one 3MTT fellow from Rivers State shared: “Before 3MTT, I was just a graduate waiting for oil company jobs that never came. Today, I build apps for international clients from my village.”
The Airtel x 3MTT NextGen Fellowship is more than training — it’s a direct ticket to financial freedom and national pride.
Niger Delta youths, this is your moment. Apply today and become part of Nigeria’s digital revolution!
Apply Now: https://app.3mtt.training/apply
