In an ongoing effort to implement presidential priorities in education, health, and social investment, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) to revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria through digital innovation.
During a recent visit by ACEPHAP, led by Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, to NITDA’s Corporate Headquarters, Director General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE emphasized the agency’s commitment to integrating technology into critical sectors, especially healthcare.
Inuwa stated, “Technology is not a standalone sector but an essential tool that enhances productivity and innovation across all sectors.”
NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) aims to create a thriving digital ecosystem benefiting all sectors. Inuwa highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR prioritizes healthcare, using technology to achieve significant advancements.
“Healthcare is key to us, and the President is also big and loud on it,” he noted.
The agency’s ambitious targets include achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027.
The Digital Literacy for All program aims to infuse digital skills into the national curriculum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Additionally, NITDA plans to train 3 million Nigerians in high-demand IT skills through various initiatives, including partnerships with platforms like Coursera.
“We aim to increase the digital fluency of our citizens,” Inuwa added.
NITDA is also investing in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, Robotics, UAVs, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing.
Inuwa mentioned the goal of establishing centres of excellence in geopolitical zones to foster innovation and collaboration. “We would do the site readiness assessment for the equipment you need, focusing on healthcare,” he stated.
Cybersecurity remains a critical aspect of digital transformation. Inuwa stressed the importance of patient data privacy, asserting, “Cybersecurity is critical because patients need to trust the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of their information.”
Through the Nigeria Startup Act, NITDA supports startups with incentives and resources to foster innovation. Inuwa encouraged startups to register and benefit from these initiatives to boost their growth and scalability.
Further, he highlighted the agency’s multi-stakeholder approach, engaging academia, corporate organizations, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and government entities to build a cohesive innovation ecosystem.
Recent collaborations, such as with E-Health Africa, utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance medical research and diagnostics.
This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy to develop local AI-driven solutions, transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
More so, Professor Galadanci expressed optimism about the future, envisioning a long-lasting relationship with NITDA that will drive transformative change in healthcare.
She highlighted ACEPHAP’s focus on healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation, sharing success stories from their healthcare entrepreneurship boot camp and pitching event in 2023, where young innovators in Kano were supported with seed grants to develop their ideas.
Galadanci remarked, “We sincerely hope this will be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship and partnership that will translate to the true meaning of the quadruple helix in addressing healthcare challenges through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa.”
