The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has stressed the need for collaboration and concerted effort among various stakeholders to achieve Nigeria’s targeted goal of 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
Thus, Inuwa who spoke at a stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) advocated for the integration of digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s education system to prepare the nation’s youth for the future.
“NITDA cannot achieve the target of 95 percent digital literacy by 2030 alone. It requires collaboration with educational institutions,” he said.
The NITDA boss highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and the need for the education system to adapt to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. He also warned about the potential job displacement caused by automation, emphasizing the critical role of digital skills in future employability.
Inuwa further emphasized the importance of teaching children how to use technology responsibly, noting that while social media can be a distraction, it can also be a tool for self-development.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, echoed Inuwa’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of technology in various sectors and the need for Nigeria to keep pace with global advancements. He also acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system, including the high number of out-of-school children and low literacy rates.
The Minister revealed that the government’s Marshall Plan for Education aims to address these challenges through curriculum reform and other initiatives.
Both Inuwa and Sununu emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to ensure it equips Nigerian students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age.