Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called for the urgent integration of digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s formal education system to better prepare citizens for the challenges they will face after graduation.
Speaking during a Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee meeting organized by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja, Inuwa emphasized that one of NITDA’s key mandates is to ensure that Nigeria achieves 95% digital literacy by 2030, with an interim goal of 70% by 2027, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Inuwa acknowledged that this ambitious target cannot be achieved by NITDA alone and emphasized the importance of partnerships in developing a digital literacy and skills curriculum within the formal education system. “We cannot do it alone. But we believe, with you, we can do it. That is why we are exploring this partnership, to work with you, to build digital literacy and skills curricula in our formal education,” he stated.
Highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement, Inuwa stressed that what was once considered science fiction is now a reality, and Nigeria’s educational system must evolve to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.
He further explained that President Tinubu’s administration has tasked the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy with accelerating economic diversification through technological innovation, noting that building human capital is crucial for achieving this goal. “A nation’s greatest resource is not its minerals, but its human capital, and we must be intentional about harnessing this resource,” Inuwa remarked.
Inuwa also underscored the need for equipping children with digital skills to maintain cognitive abilities and responsibly navigate the digital world. He noted that while technology can be a distraction, the right digital skills can transform how young people use technology for self-development.
Supporting Inuwa’s position, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, highlighted the necessity of adapting to the rapidly advancing digital era. He pointed out that technology is reshaping critical sectors like agriculture and healthcare, making it essential for Nigeria’s education system to keep pace. “Technology is on the rise, and it’s either you join or get left behind. Our children’s education must provide a foundation that enables critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-protection,” the Minister noted.
Dr. Sununu also discussed the current administration’s commitment to tackling the educational challenges facing the country, particularly curriculum reform. He revealed that Nigeria is one of the most affected nations in the global learning crisis, with one in five out-of-school children worldwide being Nigerian. Moreover, one in four Nigerian children faces poor literacy and critical thinking skills, posing a significant challenge to national development.
To address these issues, the Minister introduced the administration’s “Marshall Plan for Education for the Community of Hope,” a comprehensive strategy for the education sector from 2024 to 2027. The plan prioritizes curriculum review at all levels to ensure that education in Nigeria is both functional and aligned with the nation’s broader development goals.
