Nigeria: NITDA Empowers Over 3 Million Nigerians with Digital Skills

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that it has successfully empowered over three million Nigerians with various digital literacy and skills through comprehensive capacity building programs.

During the Council on Global Partner Summit held in Florida, USA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, highlighted the agency’s commitment to achieving 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030. To realize this vision, NITDA has been actively engaged in training initiatives aimed at equipping Nigerians with essential digital competencies.

“Our multi-sectoral capacity building programs have empowered 3.3 million Nigerians with digital literacy and skills,” stated Inuwa. The training programs encompassed diverse fields, including Stem Bootcamp for Kids, digital skills training for students and public servants, journalists, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Programming, Digital Entrepreneurship, and more.

NITDA’s efforts are focused on positioning Nigeria as a global Information Technology hub that can bridge the digital skills gap on a global scale. The agency is determined to develop policies, regulations, and initiatives that deepen digital literacy and skills throughout the country.

In line with this goal, NITDA recognizes the importance of Mobile Information Literacy and advocates for its inclusion in future versions of Certiport’s IC3 Global Digital Literacy Standard. This move aims to meet the requirements of millions of Nigerians and Africans who heavily rely on their mobile phones to connect and participate in the digital economy.

In a significant achievement, six Nigerian students participated in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC) during the three-day event. These students were selected during the Nigerian National Championship organized by ReadManna Empowerment Initiative (REI). Their participation at the global competition showcased Nigeria’s immense human capital potential and solidified the country’s position as a front runner in the race for a digital nation.

Overall, NITDA’s dedication to empowering millions of Nigerians with digital skills is a crucial step towards realizing a digitally inclusive and thriving nation.