Nigeria has clinched the prestigious 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize in the Access to Information and Knowledge category (C3), thanks to the Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The DAP emerged as the top winner among hundreds of global entries, receiving the highest number of votes in its category. The programme, which was launched in 2006, equips secondary schools across Nigeria with information and communication technology (ICT) tools and provides internet connectivity to promote teaching, learning and research. To date, more than 300 schools across the country’s six geopolitical zones have benefited from the initiative.
The executive vice chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida received the award during the WSIS Prizes Winners 2025 Ceremony, held on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his acceptance remarks, Maida expressed appreciation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WSIS organisers for recognising Nigeria’s progress in expanding inclusive digital access.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts – it is a call to advance further,” Maida said. “It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development. We are encouraged to keep pushing the boundaries, knowing that Nigeria’s efforts are being acknowledged on the global stage.”
A statement by acting head of public affairs at NCC, Nnenna Ukoha noted that four other Nigerian projects were also celebrated at the WSIS event. These include: Women Techsters and the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) in the capacity-building category; Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative in enabling environment and Digital Learning Initiative in e-Learning.
Although these projects did not win in their respective categories, they were recognised under the WSIS Champions banner for their impact and merit.
The WSIS Prizes celebrate global efforts that leverage ICTs to drive sustainable development. By highlighting innovative, people-focused approaches, the prizes promote technology’s role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WSIS Forum, an initiative of the United Nations, is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together representatives from governments, civil society, academia, international organisations, and the private sector. It aims to foster collaboration and guide global efforts in building inclusive, equitable and development-oriented information societies through actionable programmes aligned with the WSIS Action Lines and the SDGs.
