Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025: Full Guide, Requirements, Benefits & How to Apply

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Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025: Full Guide, Requirements, Benefits & How to Apply 

Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, and with it comes a growing need for highly skilled young professionals who can build, innovate, and drive technological change. To meet this need, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy—working in partnership with the Airtel Africa Foundation, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat—has officially launched the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025.

This prestigious fellowship is part of the national 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, Nigeria’s largest initiative for digital talent development. The Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship specifically targets young innovators who want to learn advanced digital skills, work on real-world projects, join innovation challenges, and access high-value career opportunities across Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.

If you are a young Nigerian interested in software development, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data science, or product management, this is one of the most promising opportunities you can apply for in 2025.

This long-form guide explains everything you need to know about the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, skills covered, why it matters, how the fellowship works, and a clear step-by-step application guide.

What Is the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025?

The Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship is a specialized digital learning and innovation pathway under the national 3MTT Programme, which aims to groom 3 million young Nigerian technical talents. The fellowship focuses on identifying highly motivated young Nigerians, equipping them with in-demand digital skills, and helping them transition into meaningful tech careers.

Through this fellowship, participants receive:

  • Hands-on training

  • Mentorship from leading experts

  • Career placement support

  • Access to hackathons and national innovation challenges

  • Digital certificates and badges

The program combines flexible online learning with practical, project-based assignments. Fellows also join innovation groups, work on real-world tasks, and collaborate with other talented young Nigerians.

Why the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship Matters for Nigeria

Nigeria’s technology industry is growing faster than ever. The rise of fintech, edtech, digital banking, cloud solutions, cyber intelligence, and AI-driven businesses has created massive demand for skilled digital professionals.

The Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship plays a crucial role in meeting this demand. Here’s why the fellowship is important:

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1. It strengthens Nigeria’s digital workforce

The fellowship ensures that thousands of young Nigerians gain access to premium training that meets global standards, preparing them for jobs in software engineering, data science, and emerging technologies.

2. It bridges the digital skills gap

Many youths lack access to top-quality training. The fellowship fills this gap by providing free, structured, high-impact learning experiences.

3. It supports the growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem

With mentorship from Airtel Africa, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat, fellows gain insights into real industry challenges—which helps them build relevant, employable skills.

4. It provides pathways to employment and innovation

From job placement support to innovation competitions and externships, the fellowship prepares participants for both career advancement and entrepreneurial innovation.

Eligibility Requirements for the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025

To apply for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✔ Be a young Nigerian passionate about building a tech or digital career

Age is not strictly specified, but the fellowship prioritizes youth actively seeking digital career opportunities.

✔ Have interest in any of the core digital fields, including:

  • Software development

  • Data science and analytics

  • UI/UX design

  • Cybersecurity

  • Cloud computing

  • Product management

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

✔ Be committed and ready to complete the learning journey

The fellowship requires discipline, online participation, and task completion.

✔ Be willing to engage in projects, hackathons, and teamwork

Applicants must show readiness for hands-on learning and real-world project participation.

✔ Ideal for:

  • Learners

  • Job seekers

  • Early-career professionals

  • Creators and innovators

  • People transitioning into tech

Benefits of the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025

This fellowship offers a wide range of benefits to help participants grow into confident and job-ready digital professionals.

1. Flexible Digital Learning

Participants can learn at their own pace through structured online modules.

2. Hands-on, Project-Based Training

Fellows work on real assignments, team-based tasks, and hackathons that simulate real industry challenges.

3. Expert Mentorship

Professionals from Airtel Africa, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat provide guidance and coaching throughout the program.

4. Innovation Challenges

Fellows compete in national-level challenges, build solutions, and showcase their creativity to industry leaders.

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5. Externship & Job Placement Support

The fellowship helps graduates access jobs, internships, externships, and self-employment opportunities.

6. Digital Badges & Certificates

Successful participants earn high-value digital credentials for their portfolio and LinkedIn.

7. National Tech Community Access

Fellows join a strong community of innovators, tech enthusiasts, and industry mentors.

Skills Covered in the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship

The fellowship focuses on high-demand digital skills, helping participants build expertise in fields that employers prioritize.

Participants gain training in:

• Software Development

Front-end, back-end, mobile development, and full-stack concepts.

• Data Science & Analytics

Data processing, visualization, machine learning basics, business analytics.

• UI/UX Design

User research, prototyping, wireframing, design systems.

• Cybersecurity

Cyber hygiene, encryption, security frameworks, threat prevention.

• Cloud Computing

Cloud infrastructure, hosting, virtual machines, cloud security.

• Product Management

Product lifecycle, roadmaps, strategy, user experience.

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Basic algorithms, AI ethics, automation tools, real-world AI applications.

These skills are aligned with global standards, preparing fellows for competitive digital careers.

How the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship Works (Programme Structure)

The fellowship follows a structured, step-by-step learning model:

Step 1: Application & Online Assessment

Candidates register on the official portal and complete required assessments to demonstrate curiosity and potential.

Step 2: Shortlisting of Top Applicants

Top performers are selected based on performance, commitment, and interest in digital skills.

Step 3: Learning Groups & Mentorship

Selected fellows join learning pods, attend mentorship sessions, and participate in innovation challenges.

Step 4: Career Launch & Long-Term Support

Participants receive externship placements, job opportunities, portfolio support, and access to global digital pathways.

Who Should Apply for the NextGen Fellowship?

The program is open to all young Nigerians, particularly:

  • Learners seeking structured digital training

  • Fresh graduates and job seekers

  • Career switchers interested in tech

  • Innovators and creators building digital solutions

  • People passionate about AI, cybersecurity, coding, or cloud computing

Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, the fellowship offers a growth pathway for every stage.

Programme Partners

The fellowship is powered by four major partners in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem:

• Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy

Policy direction and national oversight.

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• Airtel Africa Foundation

Industry mentorship, training resources, and innovation support.

• NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency)

Digital skills development and certification support.

• 3MTT Secretariat

Program management and learning experience coordination.

This partnership ensures that participants receive world-class training aligned with global digital transformation standards.

How to Apply for the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025

Interested applicants can apply via the official application portal:

👉 Apply here: nextgen.3mttnigeria.com

Applicants must complete the registration form and assessment test. Shortlisted candidates will receive further instructions from the 3MTT Secretariat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship free?

Yes. The fellowship is completely free and fully funded by the programme partners.

2. Do I need prior tech experience?

No. Beginners, intermediate learners, and professionals switching careers can apply.

3. Is there an age limit?

No official age limit, but the program focuses on young Nigerians.

4. Do participants get certificates?

Yes. Fellows receive digital badges and certificates upon completion.

5. Can I apply if I’m currently employed?

Yes, as long as you can commit to the programme schedule.

6. Is the training online or physical?

Most learning is digital, with innovation challenges and hackathons possibly requiring hybrid participation.

Final Thoughts

The Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025 is one of the most impactful digital training opportunities available to young Nigerians today. Whether you want to start a tech career, learn in-demand digital skills, or build innovative solutions that can shape Nigeria’s future, this fellowship provides the platform, mentorship, and support you need.

If you are passionate about technology and ready to grow, this is your chance to join Nigeria’s next generation of digital leaders.

👉 Apply Now: nextgen.3mttnigeria.com

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