By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria

In a significant move aimed at fostering the development of a digitally savvy generation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have partnered to advance the digital literacy curriculum in Nigeria.

According to a statement e-signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, Hajia Hadiza Umar, this collaboration is part of a broader initiative to equip Nigerian students with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The Director-General of NITDA  Mallam Kashifu Inuwa  Abdullahi during a media interview at the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), articulated the critical mandate given to the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, emphasising the importance of deepening Nigeria’s digital literacy.

Mallam Abdullahi noted that, “There is no way we can achieve the mandate without partnering with the Ministry of Education. This partnership is essential as it aligns with the goals of the Federal Government, which seeks to equip citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

Abdullahi stated that both entities were united in their commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital journey, recognising that sustainable progress could only be achieved through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for digital transformation.

He asserted that while technology played a key role in improving lives, it was ultimately people who enhanced technology. He highlighted this fact, stating, “The people component of technology is skills and talent. It is important to upskill Nigeria’s workforce, ensuring that citizens are not only consumers of digital technology but also proficient in creating and utilising these technologies effectively.”

Additionally, the NITDA DG mentioned that the digital literacy curriculum aligned seamlessly with the Digital Literacy Pillar which was one of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which aimed to achieve a target of 70 per cent digital literacy by 2025 and 95 per cent by 2030. To realise these ambitious target, Abdullahi said NITDA had established a framework that emphasised the integration of digital literacy into the formal education system which was known as the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF).

According to the NITDA DG, the digital literacy framework was expected to be embedded within the formal education framework, providing students with essential skills that would prepare them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

He assured that, developed curriculum was expected to be reviewed and approved at the Council, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a digitally literate Nigeria. Hence,  he stressed that Nigeria could cultivate a generation of tech-savvy individuals who could contribute to the country’s digital economy and leverage technology for national development.

While recognising the importance of skills development, Abdullahi added that NITDA had also committed to upscaling training processes for citizens. This approach , he explained, aimed to foster digital fluency among the populace, enabling them to navigate and utilize digital tools and services effectively, adding: “ The Federal Government’s target is clear: to increase citizens’ digital fluency and build a workforce capable of developing Nigeria’s digital offerings.”

He also highlighted that the focus on human capital development was vital for positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. Said he: “By prioritising the training of citizens in digital literacy and related skills, the country can harness the full potential of its human resources.”

To achieve these goals, Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy were fostering collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, private sector players, and international partners. These partnerships, according to him, provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to new markets, ultimately enriching Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Abdullahi’s assertion that “technology makes our lives better, but people also make technology better” reflected a holistic approach to digital transformation.  He stated that by prioritising the development of skills and talent, Nigeria could ensure that its citizens were not only equipped to use technology but also empowered to innovate and create solutions that address local challenges.

The NITDA Director-General affirmed that as Nigeria embarked on this transformative journey, the alignment of NITDA’s initiatives with the goals set forth by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, was crucial.