Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (middle); Perm l. Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo (right); DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE (left) shortly after the meeting.
"NITDA and Education Ministry Partner to Transform Nigeria’s Education System Through Digital Literacy"
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA December, 2024 - The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Ministry of Education to embed digital literacy into Nigeria’s education system. This initiative aligns with the agency’s mission to foster digital skills, nurture talent, and empower Nigerians for success in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The partnership, announced during a courtesy visit by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, and his management team to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, is a critical component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aims to position young Nigerians as active participants in the global digital economy.
By integrating digital literacy across all levels of education—from kindergarten to tertiary institutions—the program seeks to achieve a 70% literacy rate in the short term and 95% by 2030. Highlighting the transformative potential of this collaboration, Kashifu Inuwa stated:
> “The future is digital, and the world is evolving faster than ever. To prepare our youth for tomorrow’s challenges, we must invest in today’s education. This partnership ensures no Nigerian child is left behind in the journey toward global competitiveness and innovation.”
Dr. Alausa commended NITDA’s vision, emphasizing the Ministry’s dedication to empowering students with essential skills for navigating and driving digital transformation:
“Education is the foundation of national development. Partnering with stakeholders like NITDA allows us to equip our children with the tools they need to adapt to and shape the future.”
The partnership will involve key stakeholders such as CISCO, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC). Together, they aim to create a technology-driven educational ecosystem.
Key elements of the initiative include:
Curriculum Development: Integrating digital literacy into school curricula at all levels.
Teacher Training: Empowering educators with skills to teach digital concepts effectively.
Technology Deployment: Providing state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure to schools nationwide.
Equal Access: Addressing regional disparities by prioritizing underserved and rural areas.
This comprehensive approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while promoting innovation and leadership among Nigerian students. The partnership also targets educators, ensuring they are well-equipped to transform teaching and learning processes.
By bridging the digital divide, this collaboration sets Nigeria on a path to becoming a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. It underscores the federal government’s commitment to inclusive development and reshaping education to meet modern demands. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, this initiative promises to prepare Nigerian youth for the opportunities of a digital-first world.
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