In a move to future-proof Nigeria’s workforce, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to integrating digital literacy and skills into university curricula nationwide.
The renewed partnership was solidified during a visit by NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, to the NUC’s newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu. This meeting served to reignite an initiative first discussed in December 2024, emphasizing the critical need for digital skills in higher education.
Inuwa stressed that human capital development is paramount for national progress. He called for a curriculum overhaul to include essential digital competencies and emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, IoT, Cloud computing, and Cybersecurity. “In today’s technology-driven world, digital skills are not optional; they are essential,” Inuwa stated. “This collaboration will empower Nigerian students to thrive, fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.”
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which prioritizes digitization and innovation. “Equipping our youth with digital knowledge will drive economic transformation, creating a workforce ready for the modern economy,” he added.
Professor Ribadu echoed this sentiment, pledging the NUC’s full support for the digital literacy curriculum. He highlighted the commission’s dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation within higher education, acknowledging that digital education is crucial for Nigeria’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. “We will work closely with NITDA to ensure seamless integration and facilitate necessary policy adjustments,” he assured.
The partnership will involve a structured implementation plan, educator training programs, and the deployment of digital infrastructure. Universities will be encouraged to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their courses, ensuring students meet global industry standards.
Crucially, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, providing access to quality digital education for students from all backgrounds, including those in underserved areas. This investment in digital literacy is expected to be a catalyst for long-term socio-economic transformation.
With the renewed commitment from both NITDA and NUC, Nigeria is poised to cultivate a generation of tech-savvy graduates, driving the nation’s digital economy forward.