In his agenda to create sustainable job opportunities and enhance small-scale business growth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the 3MTT programme in 2023. Designed to empower Nigerian youth with technical skills tailored to the digital economy, the initiative marked a significant milestone with its first cohort of 30,000 fellows across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These participants underwent a rigorous training programme comprising self-paced online learning and hands-on applied sessions in partnership with over 120 organizations.
Building on this momentum, the second phase commenced in February 2024, aiming to train 270,000 youths across three cohorts. The programme’s scope expanded to include collaboration with applied learning clusters, state governments, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders. Participants were trained in 12 technical skill areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Animation, Cloud Computing, UI/UX Design, Data Analysis and Visualization, Data Science, DevOps, Game Development, Product Management, Quality Assurance, Software Development, and Cybersecurity.
While participants shared mixed reviews highlighting benefits and challenges, an analysis of public search interest between 2023 and 2024 revealed critical trends, signalling lessons for stakeholders to optimize the programme’s relevance and impact.
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Analyzing Public Interest Trends
Data from Google Trends shows a steep decline in public interest in the 3MTT programme itself, dropping from 17.73% in 2023 to just 2.50% in 2024. Despite this, interest in the technical skills offered under the program significantly increased, particularly in AI, which surged from 28.33% to 43.35%. This indicates a growing national focus on cutting-edge technologies and their transformative potential. Similarly, incremental gains in Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Software Development highlight the public’s sustained interest in advanced technical skills critical to the digital economy.
Conversely, interest in Animation and Game Development saw modest declines, reflecting shifting priorities from creative fields to high-demand technical domains. A notable, albeit minor, increase in Data Analysis and Visualization—from 0.00% to 0.04%—suggests emerging curiosity in data-centric disciplines. Meanwhile, the overall public interest in the program itself rose marginally from 47.50% in 2023 to 52.50% in 2024, signalling that while the programme maintains visibility, its thematic focus needs to align better with public demand.
Exhibit 1: Public interest in the 3MTT programme in relation to 12 focused skills for the first cohort per year (in percentage)
Lessons for 2025
The insights from these trends underscore critical lessons for stakeholders as they prepare for the next phase of 3MTT in 2025:
Align Offerings with Market Demand
The sharp rise in interest in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity underscores the urgency to emphasize these fields. Stakeholders should consider deepening curriculum content and applied learning opportunities in these areas, potentially introducing specialized tracks for advanced learners.
Reinvigorate Programme Identity
The steep decline in searches specifically about 3MTT suggests waning public awareness or enthusiasm. A robust communication strategy—leveraging social media, testimonials, and real-world success stories—can reignite interest. Marketing efforts should highlight tangible outcomes, such as success rates in job placements or entrepreneurial ventures initiated by alumni.
Enhance Creative and Emerging Fields
While the decline in interest in Animation and Game Development may suggest reduced public prioritization, these fields remain vital for Nigeria’s growing entertainment and creative industries. A strategic push to integrate these disciplines with emerging technologies like AI and VR could make them more appealing.
Embrace Data-Driven Decision-Making
The minor uptick in Data Analysis interest indicates an opportunity to position Nigeria as a hub for data science. By emphasizing this skill area and tying it to practical, high-demand applications such as business intelligence, healthcare, and public administration, the program can attract a wider audience.
Leverage Partnerships for Expanded Reach
Collaborations with private sector players, especially in AI and cybersecurity, can provide additional funding, expertise, and real-world exposure for participants. By fostering internship programs or industry certifications, the programme can enhance its value proposition and drive interest.
Regular Needs Assessments
Public interest trends can shift rapidly in response to technological advancements or economic priorities. Conducting regular assessments to gauge market needs will ensure that the curriculum stays relevant, helping participants secure competitive positions in the job market.
Elevate Localized Implementation Strategies
State-level variations in industrial needs and digital literacy levels call for a tailored approach. Clusters with high animation or gaming potential, for example, may benefit from specialized training in those fields. Similarly, tech hubs like Lagos and Abuja could focus heavily on AI and cybersecurity.
Exhibit 2: Public interest in the 3MTT programme amid 12 focused skills for the first cohort per year (in percentage)
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of youth unemployment and economic diversification, the 3MTT programme stands as a beacon of potential. However, its long-term success hinges on its ability to adapt dynamically to public interest trends and market demands. Application of lessons from the search interest by concerned stakeholders can ensure the programme not only remains relevant but also becomes a transformative force in equipping Nigerian youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
For 2025, stakeholders must double down on aligning technical skills training with the digital future, ensuring that 3MTT becomes synonymous with cutting-edge innovation and sustainable economic development. Through strategic planning, impactful partnerships, and data-driven adjustments, the programme can truly empower Nigeria’s next generation of digital leaders.