Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to revamp Nigeria’s educational curriculum to include comprehensive digital skills training at all levels. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to leverage digital technologies to create millions of jobs and achieve a 70% digital literacy rate by 2027.
Inuwa highlighted this necessity during a meeting with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) management team, led by Executive Secretary Professor Janaidu Ismail, at NITDA’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that digital technology must be integrated into curriculum design, content, and processes to keep pace with global technological advancements.
“We must lead in developing a competency-based, outcome-focused curriculum that addresses the demands of the 21st century,” Inuwa stated. “This will enable us to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of the Nigerian market and attracting investment from other countries. Integrating digital skills into the curriculum is crucial for national development and economic growth.”
Inuwa stressed that incorporating digital skills aligns with government policies on sustainable development, 21st-century skills, and the digital economy. He pointed out that adapting to the new digital landscape is essential for equipping citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills for growth and development.
Professor Ismail Janiadu echoed Inuwa’s sentiments, affirming NERDC’s commitment to curriculum development that includes digital literacy as a critical component. He stated that the institution’s primary responsibility is to develop curricula at all educational levels, and digital literacy is vital for any country’s progress.
“The visit aims to enhance our existing relationship, partnership, and engagement, and to explore potential areas of collaboration for national development,” Janaidu explained. He also highlighted NERDC’s role in promoting book development, local authorship, educational research, and the development of Nigerian languages to improve education delivery and public use.
Janaidu praised NITDA’s significant contributions to advancing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) across Nigeria, noting the impactful initiatives that have driven growth and development in the ICT sector.
This meeting marks a pivotal step towards integrating digital literacy into Nigeria’s educational framework, positioning the nation for a technologically advanced future.
