INTRO 

Last week [Feb. 26 – Mar. 1] was significant for our 3MTT programme as we announced the kick-off of the pilot phase of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which represents an expansion of implementation target from 1% to 10%, representing a total of 300,000 learners. 

The Honourable Minister also held further engagements with partners and stakeholders on facilitating broadband connectivity and building support for our talent, empowerment and job creation initiatives. 

FOCUS AREAS THIS WEEK

1. Talent Accelerator: The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme is a significant part of our goal of positioning Nigeria as a net-exporter of technology talent, and it was a major area of focus for us this week as we announced the launch of the pilot phase of the programme. The selection of 270,000 new Fellows brings the total number to 300,000, representing 10% of the Ministry’s 3 million overall target by 2025. Our current timeline is to conclude this 2nd phase in about 18 months and we are constantly reviewing our plans to ensure efficient delivery of the programme
2. Broadband for Development: With the provision of broadband connectivity right at the core of the Infrastructure pillar objectives of our Strategic Blueprint, we are constantly engaging with different partners, internally and externally, to ensure that we can identify and implement the most efficient and cost effective approach to connecting our people. With the launch of Project 774, which connects all our Local Government secretariats, we are expanding this rollout to more locations including hospitals and hostels in higher institutions across Nigeria. The intention is to not only expand connectivity, but also to address issues on non-consumption.
3. Job Creation: Dr. Tijani engaged with participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, on the critical importance of technological innovation towards achieving accelerated growth of the Nigerian economy. This engagement is aligned with the Ministry’s efforts to grow Nigeria’s digital economy by creating opportunities for young people.

TIMELINE OF ENGAGEMENTS

Monday:

• Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani presented an inauguration lecture to participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos. His lecture was titled ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria – Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities’.
• Following the lecture, he proceeded to the Presidential Villa to attend the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

Tuesday: 

• Meeting with representatives of Mastercard led by Mark Elliot, President Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss provision of payment solutions and capacity building in the education space. The Honourable Minister also invited Mastercard to be part of the AI strategy workshop.
• Virtual session with the team from Amazon Kuiper to discuss issues around broadband connectivity across key locations including hospitals and government offices. The Amazon Kuiper team was led by Don Brown, Head of Global Government.
• Meeting with the Director General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha and the Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Aliyu Audu to discuss the critical importance of productivity to national growth.

Wednesday:

• Meeting with representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to identify areas of support for the Ministry. AfDB was represented by Uyoyo Edosio, Principal ICT & Innovation Expert; Elisha Sulai, Senior Advisor to the Executive Director Nigeria and Sao Tome; and Jacob Odur, Lead Country Economist Nigeria.
• Follow up meeting with Intelligra Founder & CEO, Tayo Ogundipe regarding the provision of device financing solutions for underserved communities in Nigeria. 
• Briefing by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) led by PostMaster General & CEO, Tola Odeyemi on the pilot test for the Postcode Area (PCA) Validation. The NIPOST team also updated the Honourable Minister on the National Addressing System (NAS) project to streamline postal services thereby facilitating access to residences, businesses, and public entities across Nigeria.
• Dr. Tijani announced the next instalment of the #DevsInGovernment session scheduled for March 14, 2024. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO, Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC); and Adeniran Adeyemi, Statistician General of the Federation are expected to be on the panel to discuss ‘The Role of Data in Governance’
• The Honourable Minister met with his team to review progress over the past six months with a view to streamlining and refocusing efforts towards achieving set goals as outlined in the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint.