‘3MTT Programme Not Enough for Tech Devt’

Ayodeji Ake

The MYY Venture Capital and Technologies founders, Richard Ogundele and Abiola Aderiye, have commended the federal government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, but stated that it’s not enough to achieve tech success. 

Discussing with the tech experts recently, the duo believe that it’s just a starter to technology success in Nigeria, but the federal government should consider investing more in research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) across all education levels. 

According to them, “The 3MTT programme is a commendable initiative to train the younger generation in digital skills like software development, cloud engineering, and artificial intelligence, but it is not enough. Continuous and comprehensive training programs beyond these skills are needed. I would advise the government to invest in innovation hubs and incubators that support startups and small businesses, provide funding for research and development in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and enhance STEM education at all levels.

“Additionally, the government should promote tech innovation by creating more tech hubs and innovation centres across the country, providing funding and resources for startups, and establishing partnerships with international tech firms to bring global expertise and technology to Nigeria. Moreover, areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, renewable energy technologies, and biotechnology should be prioritised more.”

In his perspective, Aderiye also commended the federal government but called for more investment in AI research. 

He said: “The 3MMT programme is a great start. I read the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which was built by many experts in the field led by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. The document showed initiatives brought forward by bright minds from several institutions around the world. 

“Some of those initiatives include partnerships with research organisations and industry leaders, enabling direct innovation from 0-1. 

“To bring it into context, Richard and I started MYY Venture Capital, where we finance AI/data innovative ideas, Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and early-stage startups. The government should dive deeper into AI research enablement by building very high computing and secure server centres, offering more grants for AI startups, and partnering these startups to ease AI into public services to boost efficiency and service delivery. This could potentially create 100,000 new jobs and attract $1 billion in foreign investments over the next five years.”