*Governor (Senator) Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State of Nigeria describes digital literacy as a fundamental right for all citizens, highlighting the state government designed the initiative as part of a broader vision to prepare the youth, civil servants to compete globally, create productive jobs, and address poverty

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The Bauchi State Government of Nigeria, through the state’s Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has officially launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative).

绿帽献妻 reports the DL4ALL is NITDA’s flagship programme aimed at equipping Nigerians with essential 21st Century skills while positioning the Northern state as a hub for digital innovation in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor (Senator) Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State described digital literacy as a fundamental right for all citizens.

Mohammed disclosed the State government has designed the initiative as part of a broader vision to prepare the youths and civil servants to compete globally, create productive jobs, and address poverty through technology.

The governor was quoted to have said: 鈥淭echnology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world.

鈥淲ith the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere鈥攅ven from their own homes.”

He also stated: “This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally.

“Beyond digital literacy, we are committed to producing an army of experts in advanced digital skills who will drive innovation and economic diversification.鈥�

The Governor further emphasised that the ultimate goal is to create productive jobs.

“Jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity,鈥� stated he.

Mohammed disclosed that over the last six years, the Bauchi State had invested heavily in infrastructure to open up the state’s economy, and connect the vast potential of its youth to global markets.

Speaking on behalf of Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director of the DG Office, commended Bauchi State for 鈥渢aking a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution.鈥�

NITDA affirmed that the DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0., as well as the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).

The Information Technology sector regulatory agency noted the NDLF focuses on six core competencies.

These are device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, communication and collaboration, safety, and problem-solving.

The agency also stated the DL4ALL Initiative is anchored on three strategic programmes.

Firstly, the informal sector programme, which equips artisans, traders, and other informal workers with practical digital skills.

In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NITDA said it had recruited and trained 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions who have already reached over 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million beneficiaries by 2027.

Secondly, the workforce readiness programme which provide the public servants, graduates, and job seekers with digital productivity and employability skills. NITDA plans to train five million workers nationwide, collaborating with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service, it noted.

Thirdly, the educational sector programme which integrates digital literacy into school curricula, according to NITDA.

A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, alongside plans to train 3,600 teachers nationwide.

The agency said Inuwa observed that Nigeria鈥檚 greatest resource is its young population.

The Director-General stated: 鈥淲ith Bauchi鈥檚 abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation.”

He referred to Nigeria鈥檚 greatest resource is its young population.

鈥淲ith Bauchi鈥檚 abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,鈥� Inuwa stated.

In his remarks on the occasion, Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, Director-General of Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, said the event was 鈥渘ot just about launching a programme, but about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State.鈥�

Babamaji reaffirmed the state government鈥檚 commitment to becoming a leading high-security digital hub in Northern Nigeria, and across the country, creating jobs and generating revenue through technology-driven growth.

The Director-General of Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy as well disclosed that the state has taken a historic step towards building a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

He said the move was aimed at bridging the digital skills gap in the state, thus paving way for the creation of jobs and revenue flow for the state.

The event attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and members of the State House of Assembly, marking a significant milestone in Bauchi State鈥檚 journey towards a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

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