*The National Information Technology Development Agency and National Universities Commission reinforce commitment to implementing the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across all Nigerian universities

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have renewed their commitment to implementing the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across all Nigerian universities.

The NITDA restated this when Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, and his Management team visited the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja, FCT, where they engaged with Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, newly-appointed Executive Secretary of NUC.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the visit provided an opportunity to reignite the implementation of this ambitious initiative.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA (l), and Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of NUC, in a Group Photograph with NITDA Management Staff and Digital Literacy Partners from CISCO, at the NUC Headquarters, Abuja

NITDA also noted the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum was agreed upon during the initial visit December 2024.

The move is to reinforce the commitment of both organisations to integrating digital literacy into Nigeria鈥檚 higher learning institutions.

Collaboration to equip Nigerian students with needed competencies, says Inuwa

During the meeting, Inuwa emphasised that human capital development is at the heart of national progress, and that there is need to reform Nigeria鈥檚 education system by reviewing university curricula to incorporate digital skills and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things ((IoT) Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.

The Director-General of NITDA said: 鈥淲ith the rapid advancement of technology, digital skills have become a necessity for success in today鈥檚 workforce.

“This collaboration is a strategic move to equip Nigerian students with the competencies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world, enhancing job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic resilience.”

He further stated:

鈥淲e must review the school curriculum to embed digital literacy and skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just degree holders but are equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world.

“Education reform is critical, and implementing this curriculum across all universities will be a game-changer in our nation鈥檚 development.”

The agency equally affirmed the partnership with NUC aligns with its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), underscoring the critical role of digital literacy in preparing the nation鈥檚 youth for the future.

Inuwa stressed the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 administration priorities of reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth, and accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.

Inuwa added that empowering young Nigerians with digital knowledge would drive economic transformation by creating a workforce that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and ready to meet the challenges of the modern economy.

Speaking during NITDA’s visit to his office, Prof. Ribadu, reaffirmed NUC鈥檚 unwavering commitment to full implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum.

Prof. Ribadu: Digital education critical to knowledge-based economy

The Executive Secretary emphasised the Commission鈥檚 dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation within the higher education sector.

He also commended NITDA for its leadership in driving Nigeria鈥檚 digital agenda and assured that NUC would work closely with the agency to ensure seamless integration of the initiative into university curricula nationwide.

Ribadu further acknowledged that digital education is central to Nigeria鈥檚 vision of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy.

He, therefore, pledged to facilitate necessary policy adjustments to support this goal.

On Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum implementation strategy

According to NITDA, the agency’s collaboration with NUC will involve a structured implementation plan, capacity-building programmes for educators, and the deployment of digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless adoption. Universities will also be encouraged to incorporate emerging technologies into their curricula, ensuring students are equipped with skills that align with global industry standards.

The initiative is also expected to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality digital education.

As technology continues to reshape industries and societies worldwide, Nigeria鈥檚 investment in digital literacy will serve as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic transformation, said the agency.

NITDA averred that with strong commitment from both organisations, the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum would mark a new era in Nigeria鈥檚 education sector, fostering a generation of tech-savvy graduates who are well-prepared to further drive the Nigeria Digital Economy.