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In a concerted effort to bridge the digital divide and equip Nigerians with crucial digital competencies, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in conjunction with GIZ/DTC, convened a Stakeholder Awareness session on the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) in Lagos.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, underscored the pivotal role of digital literacy skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape during his opening remarks.
He emphasized the NDLF as a comprehensive roadmap, developed collaboratively by NITDA and key stakeholders, aimed at providing Nigerians with essential digital skills to thrive in the digital age.
Representing Inuwa, Dr. Falilat Jimoh from the Digital Inclusion Unit of NITDA’s South West Zonal Office, highlighted collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education to integrate the framework’s provisions into the national school curriculum.
Jimoh noted, “This initiative aims to equip students from a young age with foundational digital skills essential for future success.”
Furthermore, Jimoh mentioned NITDA’s partnership with GIZ/DTC to establish robust standards for digital literacy content, ensuring high-quality and relevant learning materials aligned with the NDLF’s objectives.
Inuwa stressed NITDA’s commitment to digital inclusion beyond formal education, with ongoing digital literacy programs targeting women, artisans, and other underserved segments of society.
He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that the framework enables the implementation of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, 2024–2027 pillars, focused on fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents.
According to the NITDA boss, these programs aim to empower individuals to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and access online opportunities.
In conclusion, Inuwa expressed confidence that the NDLF, coupled with collaborative efforts, will play a pivotal role in empowering Nigerians with the digital skills necessary to actively participate in the digital economy and access online information and opportunities while contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society. He urged participants to continue collaborations to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital future.
Earlier, Dr. Thuweba Diwani, the Commission Manager of GIZ/DTC Nigeria, delivered her opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of participatory policy implementation frameworks for sustainable policies, which should be owned by the people.
The Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC Nigeria), funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft Fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), focuses on digitalization, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Its goal is to enhance the country’s digital innovation ecosystem and boost its capacity for adopting digital innovations for economic and societal growth.
Representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) attended the dialogue, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Lagos Public Private Partnership (PPP), Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). Private sector representatives included MTN Foundation, CISCO, Tech4Dev, and Fate Foundation, among others.
The moderator, Mr. Tayo Olosunde, an ecosystem industry enthusiast, affirmed that similar stakeholders’ sessions had been held in Kano and Abuja, highlighting the widespread reach and importance of such engagements in advancing digital literacy across Nigeria.
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