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 initiated a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing digital literacy across Nigeria.
According to a statement from NITDA spokesperson Hadiza Umar, this initiative is a significant step in implementing the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar of “Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents.” The partnership, formalized at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower the youth to thrive in a digital world. This effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reform the economy and promote inclusive growth through digital literacy and tech talent cultivation.
The initiative will provide practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, targeting 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, by 2027.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to enhance productivity and digital skills. He noted that incorporating technology into the NYSC process and experimenting with emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates are part of their broader mission. The implementation plan includes training Corps Members during their service year and utilizing them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of creating a customized solution to address Nigeria’s unique challenges and harnessing local talents to promote digital solutions. This calls for the collective effort of the government, private sector, and all stakeholders.
NYSC Director General Brig Gen YD Ahmed echoed this enthusiasm, expressing NYSC’s readiness to fully engage in the initiative. “This process for us in NYSC is very promising, and we are committed to fully collaborating with NITDA to embrace this initiative,” he assured.
This initiative marks a huge step towards transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape, empowering its youth, and fostering a digitally literate society ready for innovation and economic growth.
