The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is partnering with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB). This collaboration aims to transform how young Nigerians engage with technology, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in the increasingly digital world.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, announced this initiative during a meeting with a delegation from the FCT UBEB’s Head-to-Head Debate Committee, led by Acting Executive Chairman Dr. Alhassan Sule, at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja. Represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of NITDA’s Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Inuwa highlighted that this collaboration aligns with a key pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) for 2024-2027: fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent.
“Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology. Unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment,” Inuwa stated.
NITDA has been actively providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation and digital learning across Nigeria. Inuwa emphasized the importance of the “Digital Literacy for All” program, a national initiative designed to extend digital education resources to every corner of the country. He urged the FCT UBEB to integrate this program into their initiatives, noting its potential to significantly enhance digital literacy skills among both students and out-of-school children.
Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies, stating that extensive research and development are being conducted in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. These areas are pivotal for developing future skill sets. Referring to a recent collaboration with the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition for secondary schools in Abuja, Inuwa said, “We can work together to ensure that interest in Robotics is cultivated among the youth.”
Elaborating on NITDA’s ongoing initiatives to achieve 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027, Inuwa revealed that the agency is working to integrate digital literacy into the national educational curriculum, providing hands-on experience with technologies like AI and Robotics. He stressed the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children through programs developed in partnership with various stakeholders. These programs offer incentives such as school feeding, combined with digital literacy and other educational training, ensuring a more inclusive and technologically proficient future.
Dr. Sule commended NITDA for its strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring a sustainably digitally transformed economy. He noted that the Head-to-Head Debate Committee is responsible for conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, which will see 900 students from the FCT competing. Finalists from the competition will participate in a reality program aired on various media platforms, where they will receive training in AI and Robotics.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating technology into education, fostering digital literacy, and preparing young Nigerians for the demands of the digital age.
