MTN ₦1 Million Grant: Nigerians with SSCE, NCE, OND, HND, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Can Apply

Applications are open for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8. Young Nigerian entrepreneurs will receive free digital and business training, data support and an opportunity to win equipment grants worth up to ₦1 million. Applications close on October 11, 2026.

MTN Foundation Opens Applications for ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8

The MTN Foundation has opened applications for Phase 8 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme.

The programme provides young Nigerian microbusiness owners with practical digital, information technology and business management skills that can help them improve and expand their businesses.

Applicants with SSCE, NCE, Diploma, OND, HND, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees or PhDs can apply, provided they meet the programme’s main eligibility requirements.

Successful applicants will participate in five weeks of free training and may also qualify for an equipment grant worth up to ₦1 million.

About the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme

The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme was created to help young Nigerian entrepreneurs acquire the knowledge and digital skills required to operate successfully in today’s rapidly changing economy.

Since its launch in 2018, the programme has completed seven phases in partnership with respected technology and professional organisations, including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.

The training has reached 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to MTN Foundation, 15,362 young microbusiness owners have successfully completed the programme since it began.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be Nigerian citizens.

• Be between 18 and 35 years old.

• Own or manage a microbusiness.

• Reside in one of the eligible states.

• Be willing to participate fully in the five-week programme.

• Have access to an internet-enabled device.

• Be interested in learning digital and business development skills.

Applicants may possess any of the following qualifications:

• SSCE

• NCE

• Diploma

• OND

• HND

• Bachelor’s degree

• Master’s degree

• PhD

Possessing an advanced academic qualification does not automatically guarantee selection. Applicants must provide accurate information about their businesses and meet the other requirements of the programme.

Eligible States

Phase 8 covers applicants from the following six states:

• Rivers State

• Abia State

• Ogun State

• Kwara State

• Kano State

• Gombe State

Applicants should confirm that they live in or operate their businesses within one of the eligible states before submitting an application.

What Will Participants Receive?

The programme will run for five weeks through a blended-learning system.

The learning activities will include:

• Self-paced online courses

• Instructor-led training sessions

• Business masterclasses

• Sessions with experienced entrepreneurs

• Practical business assignments

• A capstone project challenge

• Data support for online participation

These activities are designed to help participants apply their newly acquired knowledge directly to their businesses.

MTN Equipment Grant of Up to ₦1 Million

At the end of the programme, the 100 best-performing participants will receive equipment grants worth up to ₦1 million each.

A total fund of ₦100 million has been provided for the equipment grants.

The grant is intended to provide successful participants with essential tools and equipment that can help them improve, expand or digitalise their businesses.

Applicants should note that participation in the training does not automatically guarantee a grant. Beneficiaries will be selected based on their performance, participation and successful completion of the programme’s requirements.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official MTN application portal.

2. Read the eligibility requirements carefully.

3. Create an account or begin the application.

4. Enter your personal information correctly.

5. Provide details about your business.

6. Answer all the questions in the application form.

7. Review your information before submitting it.

8. Submit the application and keep your confirmation details.

Application Link:

Apply for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is October 11, 2026.

Interested applicants are advised to complete their applications early instead of waiting until the closing date.

Important Notice

Application for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is free.

Applicants should not pay anyone who promises to influence the selection process. Applications must be submitted only through the official MTN portal.

Applicants should also provide active telephone numbers and email addresses because MTN Foundation may use them to communicate with shortlisted candidates.