In a resolute pursuit of achieving a 70 per cent digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has praised the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0 initiated by Tech4Dev.
Abdullahi further unveiled NITDA’s strategic plan to create ‘tech clubs’ across the nation, aligning with the current administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for economic transformation and technology-driven empowerment.
In his keynote address at the launch of the skilling competition initiative, Abdullahi emphasised the collective mission to complement efforts aimed at achieving the digital literacy goal. The DigitalForAll Initiative, he stated, is visionary and holds the potential to shape the future of the nation. He announced NITDA’s intention to leverage the digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the programme.
The DG took the opportunity to elaborate on the eight Pillars in NITDA’s redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). These pillars, including fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents, building a robust technology research ecosystem and promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure, form the cornerstone of addressing strategic challenges identified by the agency.
Highlighting that the SRAP 2.0 document will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2024, Inuwa praised the DigitalForAll challenge as a well-thought-out program committed to empowering every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to excel in the digital landscape.
He underscored the importance of digital literacy, stating, “It is about providing growth opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world.”
The DG outlined the key objectives of the DigitalForAll initiative, emphasising inclusive digital literacy, accessible learning platforms, public-private partnerships, measurable impact and awards. Collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and communities is essential for success, he noted.
Expressing gratitude to partners and sponsors, Abdullahi called for collective enthusiasm, determination, and a shared vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria. “We commit to a future where digital empowerment knows no bounds and every Nigerian is equipped to thrive in the digital age,” he concluded. Founder of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola welcomed guests and provided an overview of the DigitalForAllChallenge, revealing a total prize pool of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira across different categories. Ogunsola emphasised NITDA’s intentional efforts to ensure the initiative’s sustainability and outlined the challenge’s state-level, regional and grand finale phases. The initiative, in partnership with NITDA and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, stands as Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, incentivising the acquisition and use of digital skills.
