Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The unwavering commitment and initiatives by the National Information Technology and Digital Agency (NITDA) has made the achievement of 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 2030 more realisable. This was predicated on the undeterred push by NITDA despite the magnitude of this goal. It is noteworthy that throughout 2024, this commitment has been on its radar and focus.
On account of the foresight and indefactigable leadership of its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and through the policy direction of the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, ‘Bosun Tijani, several initiatives have been introduced, including the integration of digital literacy and skills curricula into the formal education system under the Digital Literacy Framework (DLF).
This bold move has been widely acclaimed by stakeholders who view it as a holistic approach to realising the 2027 vision, particularly by empowering the younger generation with the skills needed for today’s digital world.
The same collaboration was extended to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by leveraging its widespread presence across the 774 local government areas.
From this partnership, select Corps Members are equipped with digital skills, enabling them to train approximately 30 million people in rural areas in digital literacy.
In aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, NITDA has made a significant move by implementing the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) nationwide. This initiative aims to foster innovation, enhance job creation among the teeming population, and empower eligible startups to access various benefits, ensuring they thrive in a competitive economy.
NITDA has also made a tremendous impact on cybersecurity by dedicating time and resources to exposing various phishing tactics employed by cyber fraudsters. These tactics often exploit Microsoft Office and Zip files to bypass security measures and deceive individuals into opening them, frequently resulting in data theft.
With regards to culture whose impact on human existence can cannot be overemphasised NITDA recently partnered with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to integrate Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries with digital and innovative ecosystems This collaboration aims to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and talent to a global audience.
In a bid to foster knowledge acquisition, NITDA has partnered with Coursera to offer learning scholarships aimed at enabling Nigerians to obtain professional certifications from leading institutions. This initiative seeks to drive literacy while empowering citizens.
With an elaborate and deliberate strategy spearheaded by thoughtful leadership, the goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027 appears attainable, paving the way for the full realisation of this vision by 2030.
Recently, in yet another remarkable stride, NITDA collaborated with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), an Africa-focused nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital innovation and inclusive policy development. Together, they released a white paper on the framework for an Online Harm Protection Bill, aimed at sparking robust conversations around the pressing issue of online harm, which continues to challenge the digital space in Nigeria.
NITDA’s unwavering commitment to innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive development continues to position the nation on the path to achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic collaborations, forward-thinking policies, and a focus on empowering Nigerians, the agency is paving the way for a digitally empowered and economically vibrant future.
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