In a significant effort to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and promote an inclusive digital economy, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has encouraged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving as champions of the Digital Literacy for All Initiative.
This initiative is geared towards enhancing their efforts in training and educating Nigerians on the transformative power of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The gathering is part of NITDA’s flagship programs under the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on grassroots engagement and aims to provide underserved communities with the essential digital knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
In his keynote address, Abdullahi stated, “You are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge necessary to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”
He reminded the champions of their critical role in achieving NITDA’s goal of reaching a short-term target of 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030. Abdullahi emphasised that these goals aim to inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.
Additionally, he stated that the Digital Literacy for All Initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-led economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.
Abdullahi highlighted the initiative’s extensive impact: “This programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”
“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.
He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation, fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.
The director-general’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to act as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents a chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining valuable experience in leadership and community engagement.
As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities include imparting knowledge and raising awareness about the benefits of digital skills in daily life, such as financial inclusion through digital banking, utilizing e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding essential cybersecurity measures to navigate the digital space safely.
The Digital Literacy for All initiative embodies collaboration and shared responsibility, bringing together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working toward the common goal of fostering digital inclusion.
As part of the initiative, champions underwent intensive training to prepare for their fieldwork. This training encompassed hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.
As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.
