A bold new chapter opened for Bauchi State this week as the government, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), unveiled the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative).
The flagship programme is designed to equip citizens with the digital tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and position Bauchi as a rising hub of innovation in Northern Nigeria.
Declaring the initiative open, Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor described digital literacy as “a fundamental right for all citizens” and a cornerstone of the state’s development vision.
“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the Governor said. “With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere, even from their own homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally.”
Governor Mohammed emphasized that the ultimate aim is to create jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.
He noted that Bauchi has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past six years to unlock opportunities and connect its vibrant youth to global markets.
NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
Representing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s director general, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola praised Bauchi State for its forward-thinking approach.
“This is a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution,” he said.
The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six competencies: device and software use, data literacy, digital content creation, communication, safety, and problem-solving.
Three Pillars of the DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative
The programme will be delivered through three major pathways: Informal Sector Programme: Targeting artisans, traders, and informal workers with practical digital skills. Already, 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions trained by NITDA and the NYSC have reached more than 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million by 2027.
Workforce Readiness Programme: Designed for public servants, graduates, and job seekers, focusing on employability and productivity skills. NITDA aims to train five million workers nationwide, working with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.
Educational Sector Programme: Integrating digital literacy into schools. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, with plans to train 3,600 teachers across the country.
Bauchi’s Digital Ambition
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, Inuwa noted that Bauchi—with its abundant talent and strategic location, can become a hub for digital innovation and transformation.
Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, director general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, echoed this vision.
“This is not just about launching a programme; it is about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State,” he said.
He reaffirmed Bauchi’s ambition to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy that generates jobs and revenue while bridging the digital divide.
A Milestone Moment
The launch attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and lawmakers, underscoring its importance in the state’s transformation journey.
For Bauchi, the DL4ALL Initiative marks more than just a policy milestone, it signals the state’s determination to embrace technology as a driver of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
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