In a quiet but powerful room in Abuja, history began to unfold, not with fanfare, but with a shared vision. A vision where every Nigerian child, teacher, and professional is digitally fluent, equipped not only for survival in a technology-driven world but for leadership in it.
At the center of this vision is Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering ambition: to achieve 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030, with a bold interim target of 70% by 2027.
Building a Digitally Fluent Nation – One School, One Learner at a Time
Speaking during a high-level engagement hosted by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Inuwa framed the digital literacy goal as not just a technological objective, but a national transformation strategy.
The target, he explained, is a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, specifically priority area 7: accelerating industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
“This is about economic inclusion, not just infrastructure. It’s about empowering every Nigerian, from a primary school pupil in Nasarawa to a graduate in Lagos, with the skills to participate meaningfully in the global economy,” Inuwa said.
Introducing the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF)
To guide this bold ambition, NITDA has developed the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), a structured, inclusive blueprint inspired by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria’s unique needs.
The NDLF introduces six core digital competencies:
- Device and software operations
- Information and data literacy
- Communication and collaboration
- Content creation
- Online safety and digital ethics
- Problem-solving using digital tools
This framework spans from basic digital fluency to advanced competencies, ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of background or education level, can access meaningful digital training.
From Curriculum to Classrooms: A Collaborative Education Ecosystem
NITDA is not walking this path alone. The agency has partnered with major education stakeholders including:
- NERDC (Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council)
- Federal Ministry of Education
- National Universities Commission (NUC)
- UBEC and SUBEB
Together, they are working to embed digital literacy into the national curriculum, aligning pedagogy with today’s realities.
The DG revealed that collaborations with Coursera and other global platforms are also underway to train teachers using AI-powered tools and provide scalable, remote learning opportunities.
Additionally, the DL4NSUK initiative, launched last year at Nasarawa State University in partnership with CISCO, has already begun redefining digital learning in higher education.
“This effort is not just about installing computers, it’s about preparing minds,” Inuwa emphasized. “And that requires everyone: government, educators, tech partners, and parents.”
UBEC Responds: A Pledge to Ground the Vision in Local Reality
In response, Hajiya Aisha Garba, executive secretary of UBEC, praised the NDLF as forward-looking and inclusive, while also calling for localised adaptation to make the curriculum accessible for early learners.
“Digital learning cannot be one-size-fits-all,” she said. “We must simplify it for primary school pupils, equip schools with infrastructure, and train teachers to deliver this vision effectively.”
She acknowledged current challenges, including teacher shortages, curriculum overload, and limited infrastructure, but affirmed UBEC’s commitment to:
- Equipping schools with computers and solar-powered solutions
- Training frontline educators through SUBEB
- Leading grassroots deployment alongside NITDA and NERDC
“Let us align the technical vision with grassroots realities to make a lasting impact,” she concluded.
Next Steps: A Unified Strategy for Nationwide Rollout
To formalise this collaboration, a joint inter-agency committee has been established. Its mandate: to develop strategic implementation plans for a phased, sustainable rollout of the national digital literacy initiative.
From curriculum development to classroom delivery, Nigeria is positioning itself to become Africa’s most digitally fluent nation, a country where young minds aren’t just users of technology, but creators, innovators, and global contributors.
Why Digital Literacy Matters Now More Than Ever
According to NITDA estimates, Nigeria’s digital literacy rate currently stands at 50%, up from 44% in 2021. But to unlock the full potential of its human capital, especially in the face of automation and AI, that number must grow exponentially.
Inuwa’s message was clear:
“Digital literacy is the foundation of inclusive economic growth. Without it, the future will remain out of reach for too many. With it, we can transform lives, communities, and the nation.”
