MTN Nigeria and the Project Management Institute (PMI) have launched a nationwide skills development programme aimed at equipping more than 20,000 Nigerian university students with digital, leadership, and project management skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
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The initiative, unveiled under MTN Nigeria’s “Live it 100 on Campus“ roadshow, is designed to prepare students for careers shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.
The programme began at Delta State University in June and continues at Ekiti State University from July 15 to 17. It will also be extended to Ahmadu Bello University, Abia State University, Lagos State University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and the University of Calabar before the end of the year.
According to the organisers, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands by exposing students to practical skills in project management, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital technologies.
Through the partnership, the Project Management Institute will introduce participants to project management principles while connecting them with industry professionals who will provide mentorship and career guidance across sectors, including technology, engineering, business, entertainment, and public service.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, said the ability to execute ideas and manage complex projects would become increasingly valuable as organisations adopt new technologies.
“The future belongs to people who can take an idea and make it happen. Regardless of their career aspirations, the ability to lead, collaborate, solve problems, and deliver results will define their success,” he said.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about graduate employability in Nigeria, where employers continue to emphasise practical competencies such as digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership, and project execution alongside academic qualifications.
Stakeholders say the rise of artificial intelligence and automation has accelerated the demand for new workplace skills, making digital education and continuous learning more important than ever.
MTN Nigeria said the programme forms part of its broader youth empowerment strategy, noting that access to technology alone is insufficient without the knowledge and skills required to use digital tools effectively.
Senior Manager for the Youth and Teen Segment at MTN Nigeria, Temilolu Salako, said today’s students are preparing for careers that will be significantly different from those of previous generations.
“Many of the jobs today’s students will eventually do have not yet been created, while existing careers continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace. It is important that young people develop the skills needed to adapt and thrive in this changing environment,” Salako said.
In addition to classroom sessions, participants will gain access to PMI’s professional development pathways, including the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification for students and early-career professionals, as well as specialised courses focused on managing AI-enabled projects.
The partnership will also strengthen collaboration with the PMI Nigeria Chapter, giving students opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, professional networking, and project-based learning.
As part of the initiative, participating universities will be encouraged to establish PMI Student Clubs, providing undergraduates with practical experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to develop skills that align with the future needs of the global workforce.
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