3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2026: Requirements, Skills, Benefits and How to Join

Apply for FG 3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2026: Free Digital Skills Training for Nigerian Youths

 

The 3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2026 is a free digital skills programme for young Nigerians interested in building careers in technology and the digital economy.

 

The fellowship is a special track under the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, powered by the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The initiative is designed to help young Nigerians develop practical technology skills through structured learning, mentorship, projects and other career development opportunities.

The Federal Ministry said the NextGen Fellowship was created to support 25,000 young tech talents across 46 local government areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme is free, and the latest government opportunity listing describes participation as open on a rolling basis.

 

Read Also: How to Apply for N150k Monthly Payment For 3MTT Fellows (3000 Available Jobs)

What Is the 3MTT NextGen Fellowship?

The 3MTT NextGen Fellowship is a specialised learning track within the 3MTT programme.

It was launched by Airtel Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to help young Nigerians gain skills that can improve their employability and prepare them for opportunities in the technology sector.

Unlike a basic online course, the fellowship combines learning with practical projects, mentorship, community engagement and career-focused activities.

The programme is particularly useful for people who want to build careers in areas such as software development, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, design and other digital fields.

Digital Skills Available

The available learning areas include several high-demand technology fields, such as:

• Software Development
• Data Science and Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing
• Product Management
• UI/UX Design

The exact learning options available to a participant may depend on the cohort and the programme’s current course offerings.

Participants are expected to complete learning activities, assessments and practical work connected to their selected or recommended pathway.

Who Can Join the NextGen Fellowship?

The programme is aimed at young Nigerians who are interested in developing technology skills and building careers in the digital economy.

It can be suitable for:

• Young Nigerians interested in technology
• Students
• Graduates
• Job seekers
• People changing careers
• Aspiring tech professionals
• Innovators and creators
• Beginners who want to start a technology career

The programme’s current information indicates that learners at different levels can participate, including beginners and people transitioning into technology.

You do not necessarily need to be an experienced programmer or technology professional before starting.

What Are the Benefits?

The NextGen Fellowship provides free training and several opportunities designed to help participants move from learning to practical experience.

Benefits include:

• Free digital skills training
• Hands-on project-based learning
• Mentorship from industry professionals
• Digital badges and certificates
• Access to a national technology learning community
• Innovation and challenge opportunities
• Career development support
• Externship opportunities
• Potential job placement support

The government has described the programme as a pathway for young Nigerians to develop relevant skills and improve their employability.

Is the 3MTT NextGen Fellowship Free?

Yes.

The NextGen Fellowship is free to participants.

The 3MTT support centre specifically states that there is no commitment fee or acceptance fee for selection. Anyone demanding money in exchange for a place in the programme should be treated with caution.

How the Selection Process Works

Joining the NextGen track is more than simply creating an account.

Current 3MTT guidance lists four important stages:

1. Complete Your Profile

Participants should make sure their personal and contact information on the 3MTT dashboard is complete and accurate.

2. Take the RIASEC Assessment

The RIASEC assessment helps identify the technology pathway that may best match your interests, personality and strengths.

3. Complete the Foundational Courses

Participants are expected to complete the introductory learning modules available through their 3MTT dashboard.

4. Take the Entry Assessment

The entry assessment is used to evaluate readiness for the selected learning track.

The 3MTT support centre says these four steps are essential for consideration for the NextGen cohort.

How to Join the 3MTT NextGen Fellowship

If you are interested in the programme, you can start through the official 3MTT platform.

Step 1: Visit the Official 3MTT Portal

Go to the official 3MTT website and access the fellowship section.

Official portal: https://3mtt.nitda.gov.ng

Current 3MTT guidance also directs prospective fellows to the 3MTT application and dashboard platforms.

Step 2: Create or Access Your 3MTT Account

If you already have a 3MTT account, log in rather than creating another account.

Existing participants can check their dashboard for NextGen-related onboarding information.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Make sure your personal details and contact information are correct.

You may also need to update your educational and professional information where required.

Step 4: Complete the RIASEC Assessment

Follow the instructions provided on your dashboard to complete the assessment.

The result helps identify a suitable technology pathway.

Step 5: Complete the Foundation Learning

Access the required foundational courses through your dashboard and complete the lessons.

Make sure you mark modules as completed where the platform requires it.

Step 6: Complete the Entry Assessment

After completing the required foundation work, take the relevant entry assessment for your technology track.

Step 7: Monitor Your Dashboard

Selection is not necessarily immediate.

The 3MTT support centre says candidates should monitor their dashboard and registered email for updates about NextGen selection.

Is There a Deadline for the NextGen Fellowship?

No fixed closing date is currently stated in the latest government opportunity listing.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s opportunity platform currently lists the Airtel x 3MTT NextGen Fellowship as:

Status: OPEN — Rolling Applications.

Because programme dates and cohort openings can change, prospective participants should check the official 3MTT platform and their dashboard for the latest information.

What You Need Before Starting

You should have:

• An active email address
• A working phone number
• Internet access
• A smartphone or computer
• Your correct personal information
• Enough time to complete the required courses and assessments

A laptop may make some learning activities easier, particularly for technical courses, although the exact device requirements can depend on the selected learning pathway.

What Happens After Completing the Requirements?

Completing the required steps does not mean that selection is automatic.

The 3MTT support information says entries are reviewed using factors including assessment performance and regional distribution. Selected participants will receive further instructions through their dashboard and registered email.

Those who progress into the fellowship can then take part in the relevant learning, projects, mentorship and other programme activities.

Can Beginners Join?

Yes.

The NextGen Fellowship is designed for young Nigerians at different stages of their technology journey.

The programme’s current description specifically includes beginners, learners, job seekers, career changers and people moving into technology professionally.

However, participants should be ready to learn consistently and complete the required assessments and projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you want to be considered for the programme, avoid these mistakes:

• Creating multiple accounts unnecessarily
• Leaving your 3MTT profile incomplete
• Skipping the RIASEC assessment
• Failing to complete the foundation courses
• Ignoring the entry assessment
• Using incorrect personal information
• Missing emails or dashboard notifications
• Paying anyone who claims they can guarantee selection

The 3MTT support centre confirms that there is no acceptance or commitment fee for the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3MTT NextGen Fellowship?

It is a specialised track under the 3MTT programme, powered by the Airtel Africa Foundation, designed to help young Nigerians develop in-demand technology skills and prepare for digital careers.

Is NextGen Fellowship free?

Yes. The training is free, and the official 3MTT support information says there is no commitment or acceptance fee.

Who can join the programme?

Young Nigerians interested in technology, including learners, job seekers, career changers, innovators and beginners, can be considered.

What skills are available?

Learning areas include software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, product management and UI/UX design.

Do I need previous tech experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, although participants must be prepared to complete the required learning and assessments.

Is the programme online?

The learning journey uses online platforms and digital learning resources. Depending on the cohort, participants may also have access to physical or community-based activities.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who successfully complete the relevant programme requirements can receive certificates and digital badges.

Does completing the assessment guarantee selection?

No. Completing the required stages does not automatically guarantee selection. The programme reviews participants before cohort placement.

Is there a closing date?

No fixed deadline is currently stated by the latest government opportunity listing, which describes the programme as open on a rolling basis.

 

 

The 3MTT NextGen Fellowship gives young Nigerians an opportunity to build practical technology skills without paying tuition for the training.

The programme goes beyond basic lessons by combining digital learning with assessments, projects, mentorship and career-focused opportunities.

If you are interested in technology but have not yet built professional experience, the fellowship can provide a structured path to develop your skills and build evidence of practical work.

For the latest cohort information, selection updates and onboarding instructions, use the official 3MTT platform and regularly check your dashboard and registered email.

 

 

Official 3MTT Portal: https://3mtt.nitda.gov.ng