The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) to bolster the digital literacy curriculum in Nigeria, aiming to equip students with the skills required to succeed in the evolving digital economy. This collaboration is part of a broader federal initiative to prepare Nigerian citizens for the demands of the digital age.
During the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the importance of this partnership. Representing the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Inuwa emphasized that the federal government’s vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria can only be achieved through collaboration with the education sector.
“There is no way we can achieve the digital literacy mandate without partnering with the Ministry of Education,” Inuwa stated. He pointed out that both agencies are working towards the same goal: equipping Nigerian students with the tools to thrive in the digital era.
Inuwa noted that technology alone cannot drive transformation—people play a critical role in enhancing it. “The real power of technology lies in the skills and talents of the people who use it. It is essential to ensure Nigerians are not only consumers but also creators and innovators in the digital space,” he said.
As part of this effort, NITDA has integrated the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF) into its broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, which aims to boost the country’s digital literacy rate to 70% by 2025 and 95% by 2030. The DLF will be incorporated into Nigeria’s formal education system, providing students with the digital skills needed to navigate the 21st-century workforce.
The new curriculum is expected to be reviewed and approved by the National Council on Education, marking a key step towards establishing a tech-savvy generation in Nigeria. Inuwa affirmed that the federal government’s target is to create a workforce capable of developing and driving Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
In addition to curriculum reforms, NITDA is committed to upscaling training processes for citizens to enhance digital fluency. “We are focused on ensuring that Nigerians can effectively use digital tools and services, empowering them to participate fully in the digital economy,” Inuwa added.
Human capital development is a central pillar in NITDA’s strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. “By prioritizing digital literacy and skills training, we can harness the immense potential of our human resources,” Inuwa emphasized.
To achieve these ambitious goals, NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy are working closely with educational institutions, private sector partners, and international stakeholders. These partnerships aim to create opportunities for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and market access, enriching Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Inuwa concluded by reiterating NITDA’s commitment to fostering a digitally skilled workforce, stating, “Technology improves our lives, but it’s people who truly drive technological advancements. By prioritizing skills and talent, we can ensure Nigeria becomes a global leader in digital innovation.”
As Nigeria embarks on this journey, the alignment of NITDA’s initiatives with the Ministry of Communications and Education will be essential in transforming the country’s digital landscape for future generations.
