Degrees no longer enough as MTN, PMI equip Nigerian students with future-ready skills

Chinedum Ukaegbu

MTN Nigeria, through its youth-focused MTN Pulse platform, has partnered with the Project Management Institute (PMI) to equip thousands of Nigerian university students with practical, future-ready skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence-driven global economy.

The initiative, unveiled under the Live it 100 on Campus roadshow, is designed to bridge the widening gap between academic qualifications and workplace expectations by exposing students to practical knowledge in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, project management, digital transformation and emerging technologies.

The nationwide programme, expected to reach more than 20,000 students, is touring seven universities across five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It commenced at Delta State University in June and is currently scheduled to hold at Ekiti State University from July 15 to 17 before moving to Ahmadu Bello University, Abia State University, Lagos State University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and the University of Calabar later in the year.

Organisers said the initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence, automation and rapid technological advancements are transforming industries and compelling employers to seek graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also practical competencies such as problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration and leadership.

The Live it 100 on Campus programme serves as MTN Nigeria’s flagship youth engagement platform, offering students a three-day interactive experience that combines technology, innovation, entertainment and career development while introducing them to the company’s growing digital ecosystem.

To strengthen the empowerment component of the programme, MTN partnered with PMI, the world’s leading authority on project management and project success, to expose students to the growing opportunities available in the project economy.

During the roadshow, PMI professionals will conduct career development sessions focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation and project leadership while connecting students with experienced professionals across technology, engineering, business, entertainment, the creative industry and public service.

According to the organisers, as artificial intelligence becomes deeply integrated into business operations, professionals who can combine technical knowledge with leadership, collaboration and change management skills will be better positioned to succeed.

Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director of PMI Sub-Saharan Africa, George Asamani, said the future belongs to individuals who possess the ability to transform ideas into successful outcomes.

He noted that young Nigerians are already redefining opportunities across technology, entrepreneurship, music, film, fashion, gaming and digital content creation, adding that regardless of career path, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and project delivery skills will remain essential.

Asamani explained that the programme aims to ensure students begin developing these competencies before graduating from university.

Participants will also be introduced to PMI’s internationally recognised certification programmes, including the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for students and early-career professionals, as well as the Cognitive Project Management in AI (CPMAI) course, which prepares professionals to manage AI-enabled projects.

Also speaking, Temilolu Salako, Senior Manager, Youth and Teen Segment at MTN Nigeria, said the company believes empowering young people requires much more than simply providing access to technology.

She observed that today’s students will graduate into a rapidly changing labour market where many future jobs are yet to emerge, while existing careers continue to evolve due to technological innovation.

According to her, universities provide an important platform for students to discover their interests, explore new opportunities and prepare for future careers.

Salako said the Live it 100 on Campus initiative is designed to connect students with industry experts while helping them acquire practical skills that will remain valuable throughout their academic and professional lives.

Beyond the campus roadshows, PMI announced plans to connect participating students with the PMI Nigeria Chapter, one of the largest and most active PMI chapters in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through the chapter, students will gain access to mentorship, professional networking, continuous learning opportunities and leadership development programmes. Interested students will also receive support to establish PMI Student Clubs on their campuses, enabling them to gain practical project experience while becoming part of a global network of project management professionals.
Reaffirming the importance of the partnership, Asamani said MTN and PMI share the conviction that young people should begin preparing for the future long before graduation.

He stressed that by taking career conversations directly to university campuses, both organisations hope to equip Nigerian students with the confidence, practical knowledge and leadership capabilities required to excel in a fast-changing, technology-driven world.

The initiative reinforces MTN Nigeria’s commitment to youth development while positioning Nigerian undergraduates to compete successfully in the emerging digital economy, where practical skills increasingly complement—and in many cases outweigh—academic qualifications alone.