… Hub To Accommodate FG’s 3MTT Trainees
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has commended the vision and objectives behind the setting up of a new digital skills hub, Darey.io, in Lagos, and its partnership with the Federal Government in effectively executing the federal government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
In a keynote address presented by the Technical Adviser for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Capital to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Francis Sani, he acknowledged the crucial role darey.io is playing in ensuring the success of the 3MTT programme.
Sani, who is also the Programme Director of the 3MTT, noted that digital skills are fundamental as it depicts the first step to innovation.
He acknowledged that with increasing need for skills acquisition, darey.io and its recruitment platform XTERNS AI, located at Yaba, Lagos, have big roles to play pushing the federal government agenda for digital youths to success.
The XTERNS Hub aims to bridge the gap between learning and earning, ensuring that graduates are not just trained but also integrated into the workforce, both in Nigeria and diaspora.
Founder and CEO of darey.io, Dare Olufunmilayo in his speech spoke of the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector participants.
He further spoke the vision that birthed darey.io. “That vision has now become a reality. Thousands of Nigerians have started their careers through Darey.io, working for top global companies, launching startups, and creating groundbreaking solutions. Xterns.ai is our next big leap—where we don’t just train talents; we integrate them directly into the workforce through our Proof-of-Skills Hiring model.
This is why today’s theme—Tech & Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future—is so important. It reflects our belief that, just like brewing the perfect tea, building a thriving digital economy requires the right ingredients: talent, innovation, and collaboration.
And speaking of collaboration—none of this would be possible without the ecosystem we are a part of. The government’s 3MTT initiative is playing a crucial role in creating a future-ready workforce. Our partners, tech leaders, alumni and most importantly the amazing team behind our innovations as they have all contributed to making this dream a reality.”
Olufunmilayo further called collaboration: “So, whether you’re a learner, an entrepreneur, an investor, or a policymaker, you are a key part of this journey. Nigeria is rising as a tech powerhouse, and together, we will shape the future.”
Sani had, at a panel discussion, posited some of the challenges facing digital innovation in the country, most of which the federal government is assiduously working on solving. They include infrastructure and access to tools for aspiring tech talents under the 3MTT initiative.
One of the limitations to digital innovation in Nigeria has been infrastructure, particularly internet access. However, Nigeria is currently working to ensure a fibre optic uprising.
“We are currently at about 35,000 kilometres of fibre. The $2 billion broadband expansion project will add 90,000 kilometres more in the next two years,” Sani revealed. “This will position Nigeria as one of the top 10 countries globally in internet penetration.”
This will also help connect remote areas, ensuring that tech talent from across the country can participate in the digital economy.
The launch of the new darey.io hub brought together key stakeholders, including tech leaders, policymakers, the media, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of the 3MTT programme, and aspiring digital professionals.
