There is the need to integrate digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s formal education system to better prepare undergraduates for the challenges they will face after graduation.
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, stated that NITDA’s primary mandates, is to ensure that Nigeria achieves 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a midterm goal of reaching 70% by 2027.
Inuwa spoke at the Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee meeting focused on the Review of Basic Education Curriculum organised by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja.
According to him, this ambitious target cannot be achieved by NITDA alone, and therefore, the agency is seeking 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.” He added.
He noted that what was once considered science fiction is now becoming reality, and the educational system must adapt to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
He stressed that building human capital is essential for achieving this goal, as knowledge is the foundation of a robust and sustainable economy adding that a nation’s greatest resource is not its minerals, but its human capital.
Inuwa also added that many professions will eventually be at risk of being overtaken by automation, which makes digital skills a necessity for future employability.
“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 said.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, noted that the world is rapidly advancing into the digital era, saying “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.”
He pointed out that Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by the global learning crisis, with one in five out-of-school children worldwide being Nigerian.
