The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation, stressing that classrooms will be at the centre of shaping the nation’s technology-driven future.
Inuwa made this known during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN) in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Current Digital Landscape: Our Reality and Its Practical Connection to Education,” the NITDA DG, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, explained that the rapid growth of the digital economy is significantly transforming the education sector and redefining the role of teachers in modern learning environments.
According to him, while digital technologies have expanded access to information and created new opportunities for students, they have also introduced challenges that require proper guidance and responsible usage.
He noted that teachers must evolve beyond the traditional role of simply delivering knowledge to becoming mentors who help students safely and responsibly navigate the digital world.
“Teachers are no longer just instructors; they are guides who help students identify credible information, avoid harmful online content, and develop responsible digital behaviour,” he said.
Inuwa added that educators must also nurture critical thinking in students while equipping them with relevant digital skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven society.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to promoting digital literacy across Nigeria, highlighting initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme and strategic partnerships with educational institutions aimed at strengthening teachers’ digital capacity.
The NITDA boss stressed that empowering teachers with the right digital competencies is essential to preparing Nigerian students for the future workforce and ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Nigeria is currently pursuing an ambitious digital literacy agenda, targeting 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 as part of broader efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy powered by innovation and technology.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael, said the workshop was organised to enhance teachers’ capacity and align their skills with the realities of the evolving digital economy.
“We must strengthen teachers’ competencies and ensure they have access to the necessary digital infrastructure required for effective teaching and learning in the digital age,” Michael said.
He added that the dialogue would contribute to shaping policies that support technology-driven education in Nigerian schools.
Michael described the engagement as an “insightful and impactful experience,” noting that ideas generated during the session would be consolidated into a policy guide for the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies.