The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive digital literacy initiative.
The partnership, formalised at the NYSC secretariat in Abuja, aims to provide practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
This initiative is set to reach 30 million Nigerian youth, including NYSC members, with a goal of equipping them with the necessary skills for the digital economy by 2027.
Speaking on the importance of digital literacy, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasised the critical role of technology in enhancing productivity and skill development.
He highlighted the ambitious targets set by the initiative, including the integration of emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates and building digital skills capacity among Corps members.
“We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process,” said Inuwa. “Today we are here on a bigger mission.”
Inuwa referenced global research predicting a deficit of 85 million skilled talents by 2030, which could result in a significant economic loss if unaddressed. This initiative aims to not only improve employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027. The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he explained.
The implementation plan includes training Corps members during their service year and utilising them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria. The initiative will involve onboarding Corps members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.
“Our target is how we can leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy. We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges and harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions,” Inuwa added.
Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, praised the collaboration and emphasised the unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.
“I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family working towards the same goal. Regardless of where you come from, the Nigerian youth’s improved position is what is important,” he stated.
NYSC Director General, Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully engage.
“This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” he assured.
