Lagos, 21 May 2024 - The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a collaborative effort between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, is thrilled to announce the placement of 3000 talents into the 3 Million Tech Talent programme (3MTT) under the auspices of the Office of the Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (MoCIDE), in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Commencing the week starting on May 2nd, 2024, the selected Fellows, representing diverse regions of the country, embarked on a transformative 12-month journey within various host organizations across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Through a combination of physical, virtual, and hybrid work arrangements, these Fellows will gain invaluable work experience while making tangible contributions to their respective host organizations. This initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing unemployment and fostering innovation within Nigeria. 

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria, says, "The placement of 3000 Fellows into the 3 Million Tech Talent programme is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the potential of our youth and driving digital innovation in Nigeria. Through this partnership, we are not only addressing the skills gap but also providing our young talents with the opportunity to apply their expertise in real-world scenarios, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of our digital economy."

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme aims to bridge the gap between unemployment and the demands of the job market by connecting young graduates with local job opportunities that align with their skills and interests. Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, stated, "The Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme serves as a conduit for empowering our youth and fostering economic growth across all regions of Nigeria. By facilitating access to top-tier talent for organizations, we are driving innovation and catalysing sustainable development."

Highlighting the EU's commitment to youth empowerment and employment, Ms. Samuela Isopi, European Union Ambassador, emphasized, "Creating pathways for young graduates to enter the job market is vital for sustainable economic development. Through the EU-Nigeria partnership, we are proud to support initiatives like the NJFP, which equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today's digital economy."

The collaboration between the EU, UNDP Nigeria, and the Nigerian government underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, creating employment opportunities, and driving economic prosperity for all Nigerians. By leveraging the 3MTT programme, these efforts are poised to transform Nigeria's digital landscape and empower the next generation of tech leaders.

Note to Editors:

About Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP): 

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, co-funded by the European Union, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme aims to address the rising rate of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria by connecting talented Nigerian graduates with local opportunities in host organizations for 12 months, providing them with hands-on training, skills development, coaching, and mentoring.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg                                                                        

Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead      

christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org                        

Website: https://www.njfp.ng

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