Nigeria: NITDA and NYSC Launch Phase 1 of Digital Literacy Campaign Across 12 States

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched the first phase of its digital literacy initiative in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across 12 Nigerian states. The programme, aimed at equipping communities with essential digital skills, has already kicked off with sensitisation sessions for NYSC corps members in various camps and local communities.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s Director-General, highlighted the pivotal role of youth corps members in driving this initiative, stating, “These young graduates are strategically positioned across Nigeria to serve as digital literacy champions in the communities they are assigned to.” By leveraging the established NYSC structure, corps members will lead hands-on training in digital skills, ensuring the programme reaches even the most remote areas of the country.

This initiative is part of NITDA’s broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which prioritises fostering digital literacy and nurturing talent across Nigeria. The programme’s objective is to enhance access to essential services, improve employability, and encourage greater participation in the digital economy by equipping citizens with foundational digital skills.

NITDA’s ambitious target is to train 30 million Nigerians, particularly youth, through the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, aligning with the country’s national goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030. This effort is in line with global trends and Nigeria’s aspirations for a thriving digital economy.

A unique aspect of the programme is its decentralised approach, using NYSC corps members as trainers within their assigned communities. This method not only extends the programme’s reach but also builds trust within local communities, as corps members are often seen as part of these communities.

In addition to the digital literacy drive, NITDA has been actively pursuing other initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s digital landscape. In 2023, the agency partnered with the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) to establish the country’s first cybersecurity laboratory, with the lab’s launch expected in 2024. Furthermore, NITDA announced plans to use blockchain technology to verify NYSC certificates, a move aimed at curbing the widespread forgery of these certificates. However, updates on the blockchain project and cybersecurity lab remain limited, with no significant public rollout observed as yet.