DL4ALL: NITDA restates digital literacy initiative to empower 95 percent of Nigerians by 2030

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, while activating the agency’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative in Minna, Niger State capital, restates programme is expected to empower 95 percent of Nigerians with the ‘basic knowledge in information technology, data literacy, and safety on the Internet’ by year 2030

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a bid to bridge the digital while acting in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to come up with a national literacy framework, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has activated the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative.

ConsumerConnect reports Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, while speaking at the recent event held in Minna, Niger State capital, emphasised that DL4ALL programme is expected to empower 95 percent of Nigerians with digital literacy by the year 2030.

In his remarks on the occasion, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State said the state would use digital literacy to reach out to out-of-school children.

Speaking at the event also, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, and Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), assured NITDA of contributing their quotas to the success of the new digital literacy initiative in the country.

Essentials of DL4ALL initiative to Nigerian consumers, by Inuwa

Earlier, experts have opined that various social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, WhatsApp and Instagram are predominantly used for positive engagements in the contemporary digital world.

However, due to a lack of digital literacy, which emphasises digital culture and critical thinking, it is often said that several Nigerian digital consumers either use the platforms negatively, or are being scammed for harmful, selfish purposes in cyberspace, according to report.

Accordingly, Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA reportedly said the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency is intensifying efforts at bridging the gap, stating that President Tinubu directed the agency to come up with a national literacy framework in this regard.

The NITDA Chief disclosed that as part of the framework, the agency’s Digital Literacy for All, which is a pilot scheme for 12 states of the Federation, would provide Nigerians, irrespective of age or social status with “the basic knowledge” in information, data literacy, and safety on the Internet.

Collaborations with NYSC, others to attain set objectives  

NITDA has said a central component of the Digital Literacy for All initiative is its collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Inuwa also affirmed that Brig.-Gen. Yushau Dogara Ahmed, Director-General of NYSC, has pledged to harness the Corps members’ youthful, bubbling energy, and reach to deliver comprehensive digital skills training and awareness across Nigerian communities.

He as well explained that in achieving the goal, NITDA would use the numerical strength of the Corps members under the NYSC scheme.

Inuwa further explained: “In every state, we will have 80 Corps members. We will give extensive training; we want each Corps member to at least train 60 Nigerians every month.”