*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, explains the agency’s collaboration with the National Universities Commission marks ‘a significant milestone in advancing digital skills and preparing Nigeria鈥檚 youth for the digital economy’

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In a bid to embed digital literacy as a general course in all Nigerian universities, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed聽 it is partnering with the National Universities Commission (NUC)

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this during a recent courtesy visit to the NUC Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

Inuwa said the agency’s collaboration with NUC builds on the success of the Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL) implemented at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

He also stated the partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing digital skills and preparing Nigeria鈥檚 youth for the digital economy.

The Director-General of NITDA emphasised that equipping students with essential digital skills through formal education is critical to achieving the Nigeria Digital Economy goals.

According to him, NITDA鈥檚 Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) has 8 pillars, with fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent as a priority.

Inuwa also said: “We aim to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030.

“Embedding digital skills as a general course in universities is a sustainable solution to achieve this target.”

The agency as well noted that leveraging the Nasarawa State University pilot, where digital literacy was introduced as a self learning, credit-earning course with support from Cisco, NITDA seeks to replicate the model nationwide.

Inuwa further stated: “With NUC鈥檚 support, we can make digital literacy a standard requirement like English and Mathematics, empowering students to navigate and contribute to the digital economy effectively.”

Role of Universities in deployment of digital literacy

Emphasising the role of universities in achieving the goals of the digital literacy programme, Inuwa said: “Universities are critical stakeholders, and research is the foundation of any robust economy.

“We must collaborate to build a technology research ecosystem that addresses national challenges.鈥�

The NITDA Chief also stressed the importance of aligning education with industry demands, particular through The Nigerian Start-Up Act, a legal framework that will nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency further said with NUC鈥檚 guidance, Nigerian Universities could tailor their programmes to equip students with high-demand skills, ensuring they graduate as job creators rather than job seekers.

As regards the agency’s committement to attaining the stated objectives, Inuwa reiterated the significance of collaboration.

According to him, 鈥渘o one succeeds in isolation.

“This partnership with NUC is vital for achieving our vision. “Together, we can prepare our citizens for the future, bridge the digital divide, and position Nigeria as a global talent hub.”

Speaking during the meeting, in Abuja, Chris J. Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of NUC, commended the initiative and affirmed the Commission鈥檚 commitment to driving digital transformation within Nigeria鈥檚 University system.

Maiyaki emphasised the urgency of integrating digital literacy into the university curriculum.

The NUC Executive Secretary stated: “The rapidity of change in the digital revolution makes a strong case for the Nigerian University system to be part and parcel of this transformation.

“Digital literacy is one resource with profound impact; you can hardly function today without significant technological skills.鈥�

He also acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian Universities in terms of digital infrastructure.

Maiyaki expressed optimism about the partnership, and reaffirmed his commitment towards its full implementation.

The Executive Secretary asserted: “We are very proud of this initiative. It presents huge potential for our university system to key into the rapidly expanding digital landscape. “Using digital platforms to enrich our research ecosystem and exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence are cross-cutting issues that can transform higher education.”

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