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The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has emphasised the urgent need to integrate digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s formal education system.
This integration would better prepare citizens for the challenges they will face after graduation. He made this statement during a Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee meeting focused on the review of basic education curriculum organised by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja.
Abdullahi noted that NITDA’s primary mandate is to ensure that Nigeria achieves 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, with a midterm goal of reaching 70 per cent by 2027, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recognising that this ambitious target cannot be achieved by NITDA alone, Abdullahi stated that the agency is seeking partnerships to develop digital literacy and skills curricula within the formal education system.
He emphasized the need for partnerships to build digital literacy and skills curricula in the formal education system, believing that such partnerships are crucial to achieving their goals. Abdullahi also stressed the importance of adapting the educational system to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, as what was once considered science fiction is now becoming a reality. He also explained that President Tinubu has tasked the ministry with accelerating the diversification of Nigeria’s economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.
Abdullahi highlighted the essential role of human capital in achieving this goal, emphasizing that knowledge is the foundation of a robust and sustainable economy. He stated, “At NITDA, our mandate is to develop IT, which is the cornerstone of meaningful development. A nation’s greatest resource is not its minerals, but its human capital, and we must be intentional about harnessing this resource.”
Abdullahi pointed out that many professions will eventually be at risk of being overtaken by automation, making digital skills a necessity for future employability. He also emphasised the importance of equipping children with digital skills to maintain their cognitive abilities and foster responsible use of technology, stating, “While children are often distracted by social media, the right digital skills can help them use technology for self-development.”
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu supported Abdullahi’s statements, noting that the world is rapidly advancing into the digital era. He stressed the importance of adapting to technology, which is reshaping various sectors, including agriculture and health.
Sununu highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s educational challenges and the need for curriculum reform. He mentioned that Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by the global learning crisis, with one in five out-of-school children worldwide being Nigerian. Moreover, one in four Nigerian children suffers from poor literacy and critical thinking skills, which are significant barriers to national development.
Sununu revealed that the administration’s Marshall Plan for Education for the Community of Hope, from 2024 to 2027, prioritises curriculum review and renewal at all levels to ensure that education in Nigeria is functional and contributes to the nation’s overall development goals.
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