In a bold push to achieve 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 and full realisation by 2030, the National Information Technology and Digital Agency (NITDA) remains undeterred by the magnitude of this goal. Throughout the course of 2024, it has been making significant progress toward this ambitious target.
Through the foresight and leadership of its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and through the policy direction of the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, ‘Bosun Tijani, several initiatives have been introduced, including the integration of digital literacy and skills curricula into the formal education system under the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF). This initiative has garnered widespread praise from stakeholders, who view it as a holistic approach to realising the 2027 vision, particularly by empowering the younger generation with the skills needed for today’s digital world.
In the same vein, in July, NITDA collaborated with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), leveraging its widespread presence across the 774 local government areas. The partnership aimed to equip selected corps members with digital skills, enabling them to train approximately 30 million people in rural areas in digital literacy.
In its effort to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, NITDA has made a significant move by implementing the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) nationwide. This initiative aims to foster innovation, enhance job creation among the teeming population, and empower eligible startups to access various benefits, ensuring they thrive in a competitive economy.
In the area of cybersecurity, NITDA has dedicated time and resources to exposing various phishing tactics employed by cyber fraudsters. These tactics often exploit Microsoft Office and Zip files to bypass security measures and deceive individuals into opening them, frequently resulting in data theft.
Recognising the importance of culture to human existence, NITDA recently partnered with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to integrate Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries with digital and innovative ecosystems. This collaboration aims to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and talent to a global audience.
In a bid to foster knowledge acquisition, NITDA has partnered with Coursera to offer learning scholarships aimed at enabling Nigerians to obtain professional certifications from leading institutions. This initiative seeks to drive literacy while empowering citizens.
With an elaborate and deliberate strategy spearheaded by thoughtful leadership, the goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027 appears attainable, paving the way for the full realisation of this vision by 2030.
Recently, in yet another remarkable stride, NITDA collaborated with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), an Africa-focused nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital innovation and inclusive policy development. Together, they released a white paper on the framework for an Online Harm Protection Bill, aimed at sparking robust conversations around the pressing issue of online harm, which continues to challenge the digital space in Nigeria.
NITDA’s unwavering commitment to innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive development continues to position the nation on the path to achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic collaborations, forward-thinking policies, and a focus on empowering Nigerians, the agency is paving the way for a digitally empowered and economically vibrant future.