NITDA and Ministry of Education Collaborate to Boost Digital Literacy in Nigeria’s Curriculum
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA October, 2024-
In a landmark move to enhance digital skills in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) to advance the nation’s digital literacy curriculum. This collaboration aims to equip students with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the fast-evolving global economy.
Speaking at the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa emphasized the critical role of the partnership in achieving the government’s mandate of deepening digital literacy across the country. He highlighted the necessity of collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into the formal education system, ensuring the country’s workforce is equipped to not only consume but also create and innovate with digital technology.
“Our goal is to foster a generation of tech-savvy citizens who can effectively contribute to the digital economy," Inuwa said. He further pointed out that this initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which aims for 70% digital literacy by 2025 and 95% by 2030.
To reach these ambitious targets, NITDA has developed the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF), which will be embedded in Nigeria’s education system. Inuwa assured that this framework is a key component of the nation’s digital transformation journey and will help prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
In addition to curriculum development, NITDA is focusing on upscaling digital training processes to foster digital fluency among Nigerian citizens. The goal is to build a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s digital offerings and contributing to its overall development.
Inuwa stressed the importance of human capital development in positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. He also highlighted NITDA’s commitment to working with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, private sector partners, and international organizations, to enhance digital skills, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
“While technology makes our lives better, people also make technology better,” Inuwa remarked, underscoring the need to prioritize the development of digital skills in order to unlock Nigeria’s full potential in the digital age.
This collaboration between NITDA and the Ministry of Education marks a significant milestone in the nation's journey towards becoming a digitally literate society, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and technological advancement.
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