NITDA, NUC strengthen partnership to implement digital literacy, skills curriculum
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across all Nigerian universities.
This announcement was made during a visit by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, and his management team to the NUC, where they engaged with the newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
The visit served as an opportunity to revitalise the implementation of this ambitious initiative, which was initially agreed upon during a visit in December 2024. It also reinforced the commitment of both organisations to integrating digital literacy into Nigeria’s higher education system.
During the meeting, Inuwa emphasised that human capital development is central to national progress and stressed the need to reform Nigeria’s education system by reviewing university curricula to incorporate essential digital skills and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, and Cybersecurity.
He stated, “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 added.
This partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), highlighting the pivotal role of digital literacy in preparing the nation’s youth for the future.
Inuwa also noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration priorities, particularly in reforming the economy for sustained, inclusive growth, and accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
He further added that empowering young Nigerians with digital knowledge would foster economic transformation by cultivating a workforce that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and equipped to meet the challenges of the modern economy.
In his response, Professor Ribadu reaffirmed the NUC’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum, stressing the Commission’s dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation within the higher education sector.
He commended NITDA for its leadership in advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda and assured that the NUC would collaborate closely with the agency to ensure the seamless integration of the initiative into university curricula nationwide.
Professor Ribadu also recognised that digital education is central to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy and pledged to facilitate the necessary policy adjustments to support this goal.
The collaboration between NITDA and NUC will involve a structured implementation plan, capacity-building programmes for educators, and the deployment of digital infrastructure to ensure smooth adoption. Universities will also be encouraged to incorporate emerging technologies into their curricula, ensuring students are equipped with skills that meet global industry standards.
This initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality digital education. As technology continues to reshape industries and societies worldwide, Nigeria’s investment in digital literacy will act as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic transformation.
With strong commitment from both NITDA and NUC, the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum will usher in a new era for Nigeria’s education sector, nurturing a generation of tech-savvy graduates poised to drive the nation’s digital economy forward.
