The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to embed digital literacy into Nigeria’s basic education curriculum, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises Education, Health, and Social Investment.
This strategic move aims to equip young Nigerians with foundational digital competencies from an early age, preparing them for future opportunities in a fast-evolving digital economy.
NITDA and UBEC Collaborate to Advance Digital Education
The initiative gained momentum after a high-level meeting between NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, and Hajiya Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The two agencies agreed to deepen collaboration and develop a unified roadmap for digital skill integration across all primary and junior secondary schools in Nigeria.
“We are committed to building a digitally inclusive Nigeria where every child can access and benefit from 21st-century learning tools,” said Kashifu Inuwa.
Joint Committee to Develop Implementation Framework
As part of the partnership, a joint committee has been established to:
- Design a strategic roadmap for digital literacy inclusion
- Develop curriculum content aligned with global best practices
- Ensure seamless implementation across Nigeria’s basic education system
This aligns with NITDA’s broader collaboration efforts involving stakeholders like:
- The Federal Ministry of Education
- The National Universities Commission (NUC)
- The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)
Why Digital Literacy in Basic Education Matters
The integration of digital skills at the foundational level is essential for:
- Improving student readiness for technology-driven careers
- Bridging the digital divide across urban and rural areas
- Strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base for economic competitiveness
- Fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving from an early age
According to experts, early exposure to digital tools can improve cognitive development, increase learning engagement, and enhance job readiness in future years.
Supporting Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Goals
This development is part of the federal government’s broader mission to create a digitally empowered society through:
- Technology-driven education
- Inclusive access to digital tools and infrastructure
- Strategic human capital investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda
NITDA continues to champion initiatives that foster ICT innovation, digital inclusion, and skills development in both the public and private sectors.
Key Highlights:
- Objective: Integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s basic education curriculum
- Agencies Involved: NITDA, UBEC, NUC, NERDC, Ministry of Education
- Implementation Tool: Joint committee to develop a roadmap
- Target Audience: Primary and junior secondary school students
- Strategic Goal: Build a digitally literate, innovation-ready youth population
