By Joy Onuorah
Graduating without digital skills today is like stepping onto a football field without boots. Yet, that’s the reality for many Nigerian students because digital literacy is still treated as optional in our universities.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to change that.
NITDA, under the leadership of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has joined forces with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to make digital literacy a mandatory, credit-earning course in all Nigerian universities.
It’s not just an idea; it’s already been tested. At Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NITDA launched a pilot program called Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL), where students earned credits for learning digital skills. Now, the goal is to replicate that model nationwide.
“We’re not just building graduates; we’re building contributors to the digital economy,” Inuwa stated. “Our target is 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030. Making digital skills a core part of education is the only sustainable way to achieve that.”
The plan is ambitious but necessary. From artificial intelligence to data analytics, the future belongs to those who can adapt to a tech-driven world. But this isn’t just about employability.
It’s about innovation. It’s about preparing students not only to find jobs but to create them.
“Digital literacy is no longer a luxury—it’s survival,” remarked Chris J. Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the NUC. “The rapid pace of the digital revolution means our universities must be part of this transformation. Otherwise, we risk leaving our students unprepared for the future they’ll face.”
Sure, there are challenges; limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and unequal access to technology across institutions. But this partnership tackles those issues head-on. Collaborating with global tech players like Cisco, universities will gain access to resources, training, and tools to make this vision a reality. It’s not just theory; it’s hands-on preparation for a digital-first world.
The bigger picture here is national transformation. This initiative positions Nigeria as a global talent hub, ensuring our youth aren’t just consuming technology but leading in innovation.
As Inuwa put it, “No one succeeds in isolation. This partnership is vital for bridging the digital divide and positioning Nigeria on the global stage.”
Every day of delay widens the gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world. It’s time to act.
By embedding digital literacy into education, Nigeria isn’t just equipping students for the future, it’s ensuring they thrive in it.
