IN SHORT: A message circulating on Facebook urges Nigerians to apply for laptop grants supposedly given out by the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. But there is no such grant.
A message circulating on Facebook claims that Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme is accepting applications for laptop grants.
“How to Apply for 3MTT Laptop Grant 2024 For Nigerians. Are you struggling to afford a laptop for your education or career advancement? The 3MTT Laptop Grant 2024 is here to lend a helping hand!
“This program is designed to assist individuals who are unable to purchase a laptop but require one for their academic studies, work responsibilities, or skill development,” reads a post in a public Facebook group with 124,000 members.
We found the same post in over 30 more public Facebook groups with thousands of members.
The claim can also be found here and here. (Note: See more instances listed at the end of the report.)
The 3MTT programme
Initiated in 2023 by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the 3MTT programme aims to train three million technical talents by 2025 to power the country’s digital economy and make Nigeria a net talent exporter.
The link in the post takes users to a report on how to apply for the alleged grant.
“As part of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, we are thrilled to offer assistance to individuals in Nigeria who require a laptop to enrich their educational or professional journey. In addition, 25 lucky recipients will also receive an MTN ROUTER for improved connectivity,” part of the report reads.
It asks readers to apply by clicking a Google form link and filling in their personal information. It also announces that “selected applicants will be notified once the application period has ended”.
Did the 3MTT programme call for applications for laptop grants? We checked.
The programme debunks the claim
The 3MTT described the claim as false.
“The claim that ‘The Application For The 3MTT Laptop Grant 2024 is Available’ is completely FALSE. The 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) Programme is NOT running any laptop giveaway, grant, or scheme offering free laptops, MTN MiFi devices, or 30GB data to 960,000 students.
“We urge the public to disregard this misinformation and avoid clicking on suspicious links. For accurate updates, follow our official channels only @FMCIDENigeria @3MTTSupport @3MTTNigeria. Stay safe and beware of scams,” reads a post on the programme’s official X account.
The claim that the 3MTT programme has called for applications for laptop grants is false and providing personal information exposes one to phishing scams and identity theft.
The false claim was also posted here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
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