By Balarabe Oshiafi
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have renewed their commitment to implementing the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across all Nigerian universities.
This was announced during the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa and his management team visit to the National Universities Commission (NUC), where they engaged with the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
The visit provided an opportunity to wake up the implementation of this initiative, which was agreed upon during the initial visit in December 2024, and to reinforce the commitment of both organisations toward integrating digital literacy into Nigeria’s higher learning institutions.
During the meeting, Inuwa emphasised that human capital development is at the heart of national progress, and that there is need to reform Nigeria’s education system by reviewing university curricula to incorporate digital skills and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things ((IoT) Cloud computing, and Cybersecurity.
He said, “With the rapid advancement of technology, digital skills have become a necessity for success in today’s workforce. This collaboration is a strategic move to equip Nigerian students with the competencies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world, enhancing job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic resilience.
“We must review the school curriculum to embed digital literacy and skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just degree holders but are equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world. Education reform is critical, and implementing this curriculum across all universities will be a game-changer in our nation’s development,” Inuwa stated.
This partnership aligns and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), underscoring the critical role of digital literacy in preparing the nation’s youth for the future.
He further stressed the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration priorities of reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth, and accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.
Inuwa added that empowering young Nigerians with digital knowledge would drive economic transformation by creating a workforce that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and ready to meet the challenges of the modern economy.
Professor Ribadu, in his response, reaffirmed NUC’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum, emphasisng the Commission’s dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation within the higher education sector.
He commended NITDA for its leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital agenda and assured that NUC would work closely with the agency to ensure seamless integration of the initiative into university curricula nationwide.
He acknowledged that digital education is central to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy and pledged to facilitate necessary policy adjustments to support this goal.
