The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is taking significant steps in Nigeria’s digital transformation, demonstrating its commitment to equipping the nation with essential digital literacy skills. As part of its ambitious “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, NITDA has launched a collaborative program with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) aimed at empowering millions of Nigerians across twelve states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Bayelsa, Abia, and Ebonyi. The goal of this program is to achieve a remarkable 70% digital literacy rate by 2027, marking a pivotal step in Nigeria’s quest for a digitally proficient society.
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlights the strategic importance of youth corps members in this initiative, calling them “digital literacy champions.” By leveraging the existing NYSC structure, NITDA effectively utilizes the reach of these young graduates, who are already embedded in local communities, to deliver hands-on training in essential digital skills. This innovative approach ensures that even the most underserved and remote areas of Nigeria benefit from digital education, significantly boosting accessibility and participation in the growing digital economy.
The implementation of this initiative aligns perfectly with NITDA’s broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which emphasizes the development of digital literacy and talent cultivation across Nigeria. The ambitious plan includes training 30 million Nigerians, particularly focusing on youth to enhance their employability and empower them to engage meaningfully in the digital landscape. This initiative also echoes a nationwide aspiration to ensure that 95% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030, illustrating NITDA’s commitment to making Nigeria a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Moreover, NITDA is exploring innovative solutions like the verification of NYSC certificates using blockchain technology to combat the rampant forgery and fraudulent issuance of these certificates. This initiative, although still in its developmental phase, promises to add a layer of transparency and security to the certification process, further establishing NITDA’s role as a pioneer in adopting sophisticated technology for governance and verification.
The ongoing work through the initiative not only targets immediate skill gaps but also strategically positions the nation for future advancements in technology and economic participation. By investing in its people and leveraging local structures to foster education, NITDA is paving the way for a digitally empowered Nigeria capable of thriving in the global digital economy.
