The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have reinforced their pledge to implement the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across all Nigerian universities. This initiative is designed to equip students with vital digital competencies, fostering a tech-driven workforce ready to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
This renewed commitment was emphasized during a strategic visit by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, and his management team to the NUC. Their meeting with the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, underscored the urgency of expediting this initiative, initially discussed in December 2024. Both institutions stressed the importance of integrating digital literacy into Nigeria’s higher education framework.
During the discussion, Inuwa highlighted the significance of human capital development in national progress. He called for a thorough review of university curricula to incorporate digital skills and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.
“With technology advancing rapidly, digital skills are now essential for success in today’s workforce. This partnership is a strategic effort to empower Nigerian students with the expertise needed to excel in a digital-first world, promoting job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience,” Inuwa stated.
He further stressed that embedding digital literacy within university education would ensure that graduates are not just degree holders but possess practical, marketable skills essential for the modern economy. He described education reform as a transformative move that could position Nigeria as a leader in digital innovation.
This initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to reform the economy. By driving industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation, the initiative seeks to stimulate sustained economic growth and diversification.
Professor Ribadu reaffirmed the NUC’s full commitment to executing the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum. He commended NITDA’s role in championing Nigeria’s digital transformation and assured that the NUC would work closely with the agency to ensure a seamless implementation of the curriculum in universities nationwide. Recognizing that digital education is central to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a knowledge-based economy, he pledged to support necessary policy reforms to facilitate this goal.
The collaboration between NITDA and NUC will feature a structured implementation plan, training programs for educators, and the provision of digital infrastructure to facilitate smooth adoption. Universities will be encouraged to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their curricula, ensuring that students acquire skills that align with global industry standards.
Moreover, the initiative aims to close the digital gap by guaranteeing that students from all socio-economic backgrounds, including those in remote and underserved areas, have access to quality digital education. As technology continues to revolutionize industries and societies, Nigeria’s investment in digital literacy is expected to be a catalyst for long-term socio-economic transformation.
With steadfast commitment from both NITDA and NUC, the rollout of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum will usher in a new era for Nigeria’s education sector, nurturing a generation of graduates equipped to propel the nation’s digital economy forward.
