INTRO 

This week [Feb. 19 – 23], Dr. Tijani made significant progress in his efforts to facilitate broadband for all Nigerians, deepened partnerships to leverage Artificial Intelligence for development, and announced plans for the rollout of the next phase of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

FOCUS AREAS

1. Access to Broadband: To facilitate increased access to broadband in government, the Honourable Minister launched Project 774 LG Connectivity. It will leverage existing infrastructure from NigComSat Limited and Galaxy Backbone to provide connectivity to all 774 Local Government Secretariats across Nigeria. The landing of the 2Africa Subsea cable in Qua Iboe, Akwa Ibom during the week was also a significant milestone in the journey towards connectivity for all.
2. AI for Development: We continued working on  plans to develop a comprehensive AI strategy for Nigeria and as part of this, the Honourable Minister met with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) this week, to firm up plans towards organising an Artificial Intelligence co-creation workshop in March. He also held discussions with Dr. Felix Tan of the University of New South Wales, who was part of an Australian Trade Delegation, to discuss possible collaborations in digital technology and leveraging Artificial Intelligence for development.
3. Talent Accelerator: The 3MTT Programme is concluding its prototype phase this month and we were able to confirm the date for selection of the next set of 270,000 fellows for the Pilot phase. In addition, to achieve smooth execution and scaling of the next phase, we were pleased to onboard 37 Community Managers at a 2-day orientation programme in Abuja. The Community Managers are tasked with managing learners and activating the 3MTT community across the 36 states and the FCT. 

TIMELINE 

Monday:

• Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani announced the launch of Project 774 LG Connectivity to provide internet connectivity to all Local Government Secretariats across Nigeria.
• Meeting with representatives of Phase 3 Telecom led by its Executive Chairman, Stanley Jegede who outlined their plans to support the Honourable Minister in achieving his broadband goals.
• Inaugural visit to NigComSat Limited where Dr. Tijani was hosted by Jane Egerton-Idehen, MD/CEO of NigComSat.

Tuesday: 

• Dr. Tijani was at the Presidential Villa to attend the meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). Both meetings were presided over by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. 
• Attended the opening session of the 3MTT Community Managers orientation programme. 

Wednesday:

• Dr. Tijani presided over his regular meeting with Directors of the Ministry which included the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo.
• Meeting with Bunmi Okunowo, Senior Program Officer, Digital Capabilities, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), to discuss plans for the AI Strategy workshop.
• Engaged with Dr. Felix Tan of the University of New South Wales, to discuss digital transformation strategies, including leveraging AI for development. 
• Met with Akintunde Sawyer, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to discuss areas of collaboration towards the effective deployment of the student loan portal.
• Meeting with Dr. Michael Sinclair, Executive Director, Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program.