The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has highlighted the critical need for integrating digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s formal education system.
Speaking during a Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee meeting focused on the Review of Basic Education Curriculum, organized by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja, Inuwa emphasized the urgency of preparing citizens for the challenges they will face after graduation.
Inuwa underscored that one of NITDA’s primary mandates, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to ensure that Nigeria achieves 95% digital literacy by 2030, with an interim goal of reaching 70% by 2027.
He noted that this ambitious target cannot be achieved by NITDA alone, necessitating partnerships to develop digital literacy and skills curricula within the formal education system.
“We cannot do it alone. But we believe, with you, we can do it. That is why we are exploring this partnership, to work with you, to build digital literacy and skills curricula in our formal education,” Inuwa stated.
He pointed out that what was once considered science fiction is now becoming reality, and the educational system must evolve to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Inuwa further explained that President Tinubu has tasked the ministry with accelerating the diversification of Nigeria’s economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.
In stressing the importance of human capital development, Inuwa noted that “at NITDA, our mandate is to develop IT, which is the cornerstone of meaningful development. A nation’s greatest resource is not its minerals, but its human capital, and we must be intentional about harnessing this resource.”
He also highlighted the risks posed by automation to many professions, making digital skills essential for future employability. Inuwa emphasized the importance of equipping children with digital skills to maintain their cognitive abilities and foster responsible use of technology.
“Technology is a double-edged sword; while children are often distracted by social media, the right digital skills can help them use technology for self-development,” he added.
Supporting Inuwa’s statements, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, stressed that the world is rapidly advancing into the digital era, reshaping various sectors, including agriculture and health.
He emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to adapt, stating, “Technology is on the rise, and it’s either you join or get left behind. Our children’s education must provide a foundation that enables critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-protection.”
Dr. Sununu also highlighted the current administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s educational challenges, particularly through curriculum reform. He pointed out that Nigeria is among the countries most affected by the global learning crisis, with one in five out-of-school children worldwide being Nigerian. Moreover, one in four Nigerian children suffers from poor literacy and critical thinking skills, significant barriers to national development.
The Minister revealed that the administration’s Marshall Plan for Education for the Community of Hope, which outlines the roadmap for the education sector from 2024 to 2027, is a comprehensive and action-oriented plan aimed at overhauling the education system.
This plan prioritizes curriculum review and renewal at all levels to ensure that education in Nigeria is functional and contributes to the nation’s overall development goals.
