BENIN CITY – Stakeholders at the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Edo Impact Summit close-out programme have called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to develop skilled manpower and boost Nigeria’s economy.
The summit, held in Benin City, brought together experts, trainers, and graduate trainees from the second cohort of the 3MTT programme. Participants emphasised the importance of aligning academic training with industry demands and government policies to drive economic growth and innovation.
Key speakers, including Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, Pioneer Director-General of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, and former Edo State Commissioner Ifaluyi Isibor, highlighted the role of teamwork and technology in advancing society.
They urged the Edo State government to increase its support for the programme, describing tech training as essential for Nigeria’s development.
“The Federal Government’s initiative to train 3 million Nigerian youths in technology is bold and commendable. If fully realised, it will position Nigeria among nations using technology to solve human problems,” they stated.
Bernice Omiunu, Coordinator of the 3MTT programme in Edo State, explained that the initiative, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to equip participants with job-ready tech skills or entrepreneurial capabilities.
“The programme targets training 3-million youths across the country. In Edo, we’ve boarded over 1,000 participants in less than a year. Trainees undergo foundational learning for three months, followed by hands-on training to develop practical skills for solving societal challenges,” Omiunu said.
She highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, stating, “This summit fosters collaboration among government, business leaders, and academia.
“Such conversations help identify challenges and implement impactful projects to make Edo State more liveable and economically vibrant, akin to Lagos.”
Omiunu expressed excitement about the growing interest in the programme, attributing it to robust awareness campaigns by facilitators. She encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasising its potential to transform Edo into a hub for thriving businesses and innovation.
The stakeholders commended the Federal Government for its vision and called for sustained efforts to ensure the programme achieves its objectives of building a skilled, tech-driven workforce for Nigeria’s future.
