Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, Speaking To Reporters at the t the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education, in Abuja, FCT Photo: NITDA
*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the agency’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education is essential as it aligns with the goals of the Nigerian Government, to equip citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly global digital economy
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
In a determined bid to foster the development of a digitally savvy generation of Nigerians, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have partnered to advance the digital literacy curriculum in the country.
NITDA said this collaborative effort with the Ministry is part of a broader initiative to equip Nigerian students with the requisite skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the agency, in a media interview at the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), articulated the critical mandate of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, emphasising the importance of deepening digital literacy in Nigeria.
Inuwa said: “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.”
Inuwa: NITDA, FME’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s digital journey
He disclosed both entities are united in their commitment to enhancing the Nigeria’s digital journey, recognising that sustainable progress could only be achieved through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for digital transformation.
According to him, while technology plays a key role in improving lives, it is ultimately people who enhance technology.
“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,” stated he.
Inuwa also stated that the digital literacy curriculum aligns seamlessly with the Digital Literacy Pillar, which is one of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).
According to him, the agency’s SRAP 2.0 aims to achieve a target of 70 percent digital literacy by 2025 and 95 percent by 2030.
In a bid to realise this ambitious target, NITDA has established a framework that emphasises the integration of digital literacy into the formal education system which is known as the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF), said he.
The Director-General of NITDA further explained the digital literacy framework is expected to be embedded within the formal education framework, providing students with essential skills that will prepare them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Inuwa assured the stakeholders that the developed curriculum is expected to be reviewed and approved at the Council, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a digitally literate Nigeria.
Nigeria can cultivate a generation of tech-savvy individuals who can contribute to the country’s digital economy and leverage technology for national development, Inuwa noted.
Significance of training, skills development
Recognising the importance of skills development, Inuwa added that NITDA has also committed to upscaling training processes for citizens.
This approach, he stated, aims to foster digital fluency among the populace, enabling them to navigate and utilise digital tools and services effectively.
According to him, the Federal Government’s target is clear: to increase citizens’ digital fluency and build a workforce capable of developing Nigeria’s digital offerings.
Inuwa also highlighted that the focus on human capital development is vital for positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.
“By prioritising the training of citizens in digital literacy and related skills, the country can harness the full potential of its human resources.”
On multi-sectoral collaborations, capacity building and access to new markets
In order to achieve the outlined goals, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy are fostering collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, private sector players, and international partners.
He noted these partnerships provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to new markets, ultimately enriching Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Inuwa’s assertion that “technology makes our lives better, but people also make technology better” reflects a holistic approach to digital transformation.
By prioritising the development of skills and talent, Nigeria can ensure that its citizens are not only equipped to use technology but also empowered to innovate and create solutions that address local challenges.
The Director-General of NITDA affirmed that as Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, the alignment of NITDA’s initiatives with the goals set forth by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy is crucial.
