*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the agency鈥檚 collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education is essential as it aligns with the goals of the Nigerian Government, to equip citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly global digital economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In a determined bid to foster the development of a digitally savvy generation of Nigerians, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) have partnered to advance the digital literacy curriculum in the country.

NITDA said this collaborative effort with the Ministry is part of a broader initiative to equip Nigerian students with the requisite skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

绿帽献妻 reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the agency, in a media interview at the 68th Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), articulated the critical mandate of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, emphasising the importance of deepening digital literacy in Nigeria.

Inuwa said: 鈥淭here is no way we can achieve the mandate without partnering with the Ministry of Education.

鈥淭his partnership is essential as it aligns with the goals of the Federal Government, which seeks to equip citizens with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

Inuwa: NITDA, FME鈥檚 commitment to enhancing Nigeria鈥檚 digital journey

He disclosed both entities are united in their commitment to enhancing the Nigeria鈥檚 digital journey, recognising that sustainable progress could only be achieved through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for digital transformation.

According to him, while technology plays a key role in improving lives, it is ultimately people who enhance technology.

鈥淭he people component of technology is skills and talent. It is important to upskill Nigeria鈥檚 workforce, ensuring that citizens are not only consumers of digital technology but also proficient in creating and utilising these technologies effectively,鈥� stated he.

Inuwa also stated that the digital literacy curriculum aligns seamlessly with the Digital Literacy Pillar, which is one of NITDA鈥檚 Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).

According to him, the agency鈥檚 SRAP 2.0 aims to achieve a target of 70 percent digital literacy by 2025 and 95 percent by 2030.

In a bid to realise this ambitious target, NITDA has established a framework that emphasises the integration of digital literacy into the formal education system which is known as the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF), said he.

The Director-General of NITDA further explained the digital literacy framework is expected to be embedded within the formal education framework, providing students with essential skills that will prepare them for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

Inuwa assured the stakeholders that the developed curriculum is expected to be reviewed and approved at the Council, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a digitally literate Nigeria.

Nigeria can cultivate a generation of tech-savvy individuals who can contribute to the country鈥檚 digital economy and leverage technology for national development, Inuwa noted.

Significance of training, skills development

Recognising the importance of skills development, Inuwa added that NITDA has also committed to upscaling training processes for citizens.

This approach, he stated, aims to foster digital fluency among the populace, enabling them to navigate and utilise digital tools and services effectively.

According to him, the Federal Government鈥檚 target is clear: to increase citizens鈥� digital fluency and build a workforce capable of developing Nigeria鈥檚 digital offerings.

Inuwa also highlighted that the focus on human capital development is vital for positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy.

鈥淏y prioritising the training of citizens in digital literacy and related skills, the country can harness the full potential of its human resources.鈥�

On multi-sectoral collaborations, capacity building and access to new markets

In order to achieve the outlined goals, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy are fostering collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including educational institutions, private sector players, and international partners.

He noted these partnerships provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to new markets, ultimately enriching Nigeria鈥檚 digital ecosystem.

Inuwa鈥檚 assertion that 鈥渢echnology makes our lives better, but people also make technology better鈥� reflects a holistic approach to digital transformation.

By prioritising the development of skills and talent, Nigeria can ensure that its citizens are not only equipped to use technology but also empowered to innovate and create solutions that address local challenges.

The Director-General of NITDA affirmed that as Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, the alignment of NITDA鈥檚 initiatives with the goals set forth by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy is crucial.

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