News Highlights:
- Nigeria’s Digital Awareness Programme (DAP), implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), won the top award in Category C3.
- Since its launch in 2006, DAP has equipped over 300 secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with ICT tools and internet access.
Nigeria has emerged victorious at the 2025 edition of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes, clinching the top award in Category C3: Access to Information and Knowledge for its Digital Awareness Programme (DAP).
Digital TimesNG reports that the prestigious award was secured through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which implemented the project.
The DAP received the highest number of votes in its category, outshining hundreds of global entries.
Launched in 2006, the initiative is aimed at bridging the digital divide in Nigeria by equipping secondary schools nationwide with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and internet connectivity, thereby enhancing teaching, learning, and research.
To date, over 300 schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have benefitted from the programme, reinforcing the country’s commitment to digital literacy and inclusive access to information.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, received the award on behalf of Nigeria at the WSIS Prizes 2025 Winners Ceremony, which took place on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Maida thanked the hosts, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and WSIS, for recognising Nigeria’s efforts in promoting inclusive digital access across Nigeria, noting that the award would serve as further motivation for the Commission.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward. It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development, and that Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage,” Dr. Maida said.
Four other Nigerian projects—the Women Techsters and the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) under Capacity Building, the Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative under Enabling Environment, and the Digital Learning Initiative under e-Learning, were also celebrated for their nomination for the Champions Category of Projects at the WSIS Prizes Ceremony.
Although they were not among the top-voted entries, they were acknowledged for their significant merit and impact.
The WSIS Prizes competition recognises and promotes projects that effectively leverage ICTs to advance sustainable development. The competition showcases how technology can serve as a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and achieving the SDGs.
Projects from around the world are recognised annually, highlighting diverse approaches to building an inclusive information society.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at building a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.
It provides a multi-stakeholder platform to address issues related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their role in achieving sustainable development.
The Forum is an annual event that brings together high-level representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, and international organisations.
It serves as a global platform for implementing the WSIS Action Lines, which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).