NITDA partners ministry to integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s education system

In its commitment to promote digital literacy, develop talent, and empower Nigerians with essential knowledge and skills, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has teamed up with the Ministry of Education to transform Nigeria’s educational landscape.

This strategic collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, and his management team on Friday.

The initiative is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to equip Nigeria’s youth with the skills necessary to succeed in the evolving digital economy.

The partnership is set to integrate digital literacy across all education levels, from kindergarten to tertiary institutions, with the goal of achieving 70% digital literacy in the short term and 95% by 2030. During the meeting, Inuwa emphasized the critical role of digital skills in transforming both individual lives and the broader economy.

“The future is digital, and the world is evolving faster than ever. If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow’s challenges, we must begin with today’s education. This collaboration with the Ministry of Education is a bold step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind in this journey toward global competitiveness and innovation,” he remarked.

According to Inuwa, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every child in Nigeria is adequately prepared to participate in a global economy increasingly defined by digital transformation.

In his response, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa praised NITDA’s forward-thinking approach and affirmed the Ministry’s unwavering support for the initiative.

“Education remains the foundation upon which national development is built. We are ready partner with relevant stakeholders to embed digital literacy into our educational framework, empower our children with the tools and skills they need to not only adapt to change but to drive it,” he said.

With CISCO, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), and other stakeholders involved, there is already shared commitment to creating an inclusive and technology-driven educational ecosystem.

This ecosystem will empower young Nigerians to not only consume technology but to innovate, lead, and compete on the global stage as the nation progresses into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The collaborative effort is set to tackle various dimensions of digital literacy, ranging from curriculum development to teacher training and capacity building. It will also involve the deployment of state-of-the-art digital tools and infrastructure across educational institutions.

This holistic approach is designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to technology, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills from an early age.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to create a ripple effect that goes beyond the classroom, it sets to empower educators with the requisite skills to teach digital literacy effectively, and transform the entire teaching and learning process in Nigeria.

It will also focus on addressing regional disparities by ensuring equal access to digital resources in underserved and rural communities, leaving no child or teacher behind.

The involvement of key stakeholders like CISCO, NBTE, NUC, NTI, NMC, and UBEC further strengthens the initiative. Their combined expertise and resources will provide a robust framework for implementing the partnership’s goals. From introducing cutting-edge technology in schools to fostering a culture of innovation, the collaboration is poised to redefine what education means in Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of positioning itself as a continental leader in digital transformation and innovation. With technology increasingly shaping the global economy, Nigeria’s youth stand at the forefront of this revolution, ready to harness the opportunities presented by a digital-first world.

The partnership further indicates federal government’s commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development through digital literacy, and reshaping the very fabric of Nigerian education, ensuring it aligns with the demands of the modern era.