News Highlights:
- NITDA and NUC Reaffirm Commitment to Digital Literacy in Universities
- Education Reform to Drive Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to integrating the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum into all Nigerian universities.
This was disclosed during a visit by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, and his management team to the NUC, where they engaged with the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
Digital Times understands that the visit served as a platform to revitalize the implementation of this ambitious initiative, initially agreed upon during the December 2024 meeting, while reaffirming both organizations’ dedication to embedding digital literacy in Nigeria’s higher education system.
During the discussions, Inuwa underscored the pivotal role of human capital development in national progress and stressed the need to reform Nigeria’s education system by updating university curricula to include digital skills and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.
“With the rapid advancement of technology, digital skills have become a necessity for success in today’s workforce. This collaboration is a strategic move to equip Nigerian students with the competencies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world, enhancing job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic resilience.
“We must review the school curriculum to embed digital literacy and skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just degree holders but are equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world. Education reform is critical, and implementing this curriculum across all universities will be a game-changer in our nation’s development,” Inuwa stated.
This partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), underscoring the critical role of digital literacy in preparing the nation’s youth for the future.
He further stressed the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration priorities of reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth, and accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.
Inuwa added that empowering young Nigerians with digital knowledge would drive economic transformation by creating a workforce that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and ready to meet the challenges of the modern economy.
In his response, Professor Ribadu reaffirmed NUC’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum, emphasisng the Commission’s dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation within the higher education sector.
He commended NITDA for its leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital agenda and assured that NUC would work closely with the agency to ensure seamless integration of the initiative into university curricula nationwide.
He acknowledged that digital education is central to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy and pledged to facilitate necessary policy adjustments to support this goal.
The collaboration between NITDA and NUC will involve a structured implementation plan, capacity-building programmes for educators, and the deployment of digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless adoption.
Universities will also be encouraged to incorporate emerging technologies into their curricula, ensuring students are equipped with skills that align with global industry standards.
The initiative is also expected to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality digital education.
As technology continues to reshape industries and societies worldwide, Nigeria’s investment in digital literacy will serve as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic transformation.
With strong commitment from both NITDA and NUC, the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum will mark a new era in Nigeria’s education sector, fostering a generation of tech-savvy graduates who are well-prepared to drive the nation’s digital economy forward.
