The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it is taking steps to standardise digital literacy in Nigeria, following a strategic partnership with Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
In a statement seen by Technology Times, NITDA says the partnership with DBI, a Nigeria-based international centre for information and communications technology training, aligns with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), and aims to provide equal access to digital learning for all Nigerians.
“The proposed National Digital Literacy Standard seeks to harmonize and standardise digital literacy training programs across Nigeria,” says NITDA. “This will ensure a cohesive approach that benefits all citizens by providing equitable access to standardised digital learning content.”
NITDA: Standardising digital literacy will empower Nigerians
According to the IT agency, the proposed National Digital Literacy Standard seeks to harmonise and standardise digital literacy training programmes across Nigeria. This will ensure a cohesive approach that benefits all citizens by providing equitable access to standardised digital learning content. The standard will offer certifications at basic, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels, enabling Nigerians to develop essential digital skills that are globally recognised.
The country’s vision, NITDA says, is to create a digitally-literate society where everyone can access opportunities, contribute to development, and secure a brighter future. NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL) is a key component of this vision, aiming to empower Nigerians with the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s interconnected world, the IT agency says.
“This initiative seeks to provide Nigerian citizens with equitable access to standardised digital learning content, enabling them to develop essential digital skills and obtain nationally recognised digital literacy certifications at the basic, intermediate and advanced proficiency levels,” NITDA says. “Through this strategic collaboration, digital literacy training programmes currently implemented by various stakeholders across the country will be harmonised and standardised, ensuring a cohesive and impactful approach that benefits all citizens.”
NITDA’s collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute is part of a broader effort to engage various stakeholders in enhancing digital literacy. The agency is working with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula from primary to tertiary levels. Additionally, NITDA is partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train millions of Nigerians annually, focusing on equipping youth with digital skills that are crucial for the modern workforce.
In parallel with the initiatives, the Federal Government has launched a digital literacy training programme for federal civil servants. This programme, a collaborative effort between NITDA and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, aims to enhance the productivity and efficiency of government employees by equipping them with the skills to effectively use digital technologies.
At the launch of a 3-day workshop on digital literacy training and certification for federal civil servants in Abuja in January, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA Director General emphasised that digital transformation is fundamentally about people, not technology. “Technology makes our lives better, the government cannot accomplish that without you, as you are the one who creates the policies, designs the services, and delivers them to citizens,” Inuwa says.
According to NITDA, Nigeria aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027, a goal that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation and innovation. NITDA’s initiatives, including DL4ALL, the agency says, are designed to empower Nigerians with essential digital skills, making them proficient in navigating the digital landscape.
Digital Bridge Institute, founded in 2004, is an international centre for information and communications technology training, supported by experts from academic, professional, and industry backgrounds. It provides unique industry exposure, entrepreneurial orientation and professional certification opportunities, boasting a solid reputation within the industry.
Article edited by Yusuf Balogun.
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