By Chinenye Anuforo
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a comprehensive plan to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital literacy skills by 2027. This ambitious target aligns with NITDA’s ongoing digital literacy campaign and will be achieved through innovative approaches, collaborative efforts, and stakeholder engagement.
NITDA director-gwneral, Kashifu Inuwa, outlined the agency’s three-pronged strategy during a recent meeting with representatives from Afre.lib Academy. He emphasized the importance of:
Revamping Formal Education: NITDA is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital skills into the national curriculum. This initiative includes training teachers and providing necessary equipment for effective implementation.
Promoting Informal Learning: The “Digital Literacy for All” program will offer an online learning platform accessible in various Nigerian languages. This EdTech platform (Learning Management System) caters to individuals outside the formal education system, allowing them to learn at their own pace. To maximize reach, NITDA is exploring a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for program promotion and onboarding participants across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Upskilling the Workforce: Recognizing the significance of digital literacy in the workplace, NITDA will provide training programs for government and private sector employees. This initiative aims to enhance productivity across various sectors.
The meeting also marked the beginning of a promising partnership between NITDA and Afre.lib Academy. Both organizations share a common vision of fostering IT development and digital literacy. NITDA pledged its support to Afre.lib Academy, including curriculum review to ensure alignment with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF). Additionally, discussions explored establishing tech clubs in schools nationwide and leveraging NITDA’s planned Innovation Hubs in each state to provide a platform for participants to develop their technological skills.
Afre.lib Academy, represented by Executive Director of Operations Mrs. Joice Gomina, highlighted the need to bridge the digital gap between tech-savvy youth and educators who might rely on traditional teaching methods. The Academy’s mission is to provide a safe space for children to explore technology responsibly and equip them with the skills to contribute to national development through technology.
This collaborative effort between NITDA and Afre.lib Academy signifies a significant step towards achieving digital literacy for a substantial portion of the Nigerian population by 2027.