Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education (middle); Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry (r); Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, After the Meeting, in Abuja, FCT Photo: NITDA
*The National Information Technology Development Agency partners with the Federal Ministry of Education to revolutionise Nigeria’s educational system, stating the collaborative effort is ‘an ambitious vision to equip young Nigerians with the critical skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy’
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has initiated a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education to revolutionise Nigeria’s educational system.
ConsumerConnect reports NITDA noted the move is oart of the agency’s visionary effort at integrating digital literacy comprehensively into the Nigerian educational framework.
According to the Information Technology (IT) sector regulator, the partnership deal came to light during Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, and his Management team paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education, Friday, December 6, 2024.
Benefits of collaboration between NITDA, Education Ministry
The agency affirmed the partnership between NITDA and the Federal Ministry of Education forms a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It described the collaborative effort as “an ambitious vision to equip young Nigerians with the critical skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.”
NITDA also noted
that the initiative seeks to embed digital literacy across all levels of education in Nigeria, starting from the foundational stages in kindergarten through to secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
The IT sector regulator further disclosed it is part of the effort at achieving “short-term target of 70% and long-term target of 95% digital literacy by the year 2030.”
Inuwa: ‘The future is digital’
Speaking during the meeting, Inuwa underscored the urgency of fostering a digitally literate population, highlighting the potential of digital skills to transform lives and economies.
The Director-General of NITDA stated:
“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 really averred the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, and ensure that every Nigerian child is adequately prepared to participate in a global economy that is increasingly defined by digital transformation.
Government set to embed digital literacy into education framework, says Education Minister
In his response, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa commended NITDA’s forward-thinking approach and affirmed the Ministry’s unwavering support for the initiative.
Dr. Alausa said: “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.”
According to NITDA, 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 in Nigeria.
The agency explained the ecosystem would empower young Nigerians to not only consume technology but to innovate, lead, and compete on the global stage as the country progresses into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
NITDA said: “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.”
The agency as well noted the 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 stated.
According to NITDA, the initiative 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, such as CISCO, NBTE, NUC, NTI, NMC, and UBEC further strengthens the initiative, it said.
NITDA emphasised their combined expertise and resources would 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, it stated.
The agency also stressed the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of positioning itself as a continental leader in digital transformation and innovation.
It noted that 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.
NITDA restated its partnership with the Ministry of Education 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.”
