NCC’s Digital Awareness Programme wins 2025 WSIS prize for impact on knowledge economy

*The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Digital Awareness Programme project wins coveted 2025 World Summit on the Information Society’s prize in Geneva, Switzerland, for equipping over 300 secondary schools across the West African country with ICT resources to aid teaching, learning and research

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria again, shines on the global stage as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) won the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society’s (WSIS) prize for its Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) project, under Category C3 – Access to Information and Knowledge at an event Monday, July 7, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission disclosed that its DAP project, out of the hundreds of projects submitted for this year’s WSIS Prizes Competition, received the highest number of votes in its category, thereby earning it the top honour at the ceremony.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC programme has equipped secondary schools across the West African country with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources.

The digital skills programme has also provided Internet connectivity to support teaching, learning, and research across Nigeria.

Since inception in 2006, over 300 schools have benefitted from the programme across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs at NCC, stated Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), received the award during the WSIS Prizes Winners 2025 Ceremony, in Geneva.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Maida thanked the hosts, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and WSIS, for recognising Nigeria’s efforts at promoting inclusive digital access across Nigeria.

Ukoha said the EVC/CEO noted that the award would serve as further motivation for the Commission.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman also stated: “This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward.

“It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development, and that Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage.”

The Commission disclosed that four other Nigerian projects—the Women Techsters and the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) under Capacity Building, the Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative under Enabling Environment, and the Digital Learning Initiative under e-Learning— also received recognition for their nominations for the Champions Category of Projects at the WSIS Prizes Ceremony.

Though the four other projects were not among the top-voted entries, the WSIS acknowledged them all for their significant merit and impact, the NCC said.

The WSIS Prizes competition recognises and promotes projects that effectively leverage ICTs to advance sustainable development across the globe.

The competition also showcases how technology can serve as a powerful tool to address global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is equally noted that several projects from around the world are recognised annually, highlighting diverse approaches to building an inclusive information society.

About WSIS

The World Summit on the Information Society is a United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at building a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.

WSIS provides a multi-stakeholder platform to address issues related to Information and Communication Technologies, and their role in achieving sustainable development.

The Forum is an annual event that brings together high-level representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, and international organisations.

It also serves as a global platform for implementing the WSIS Action Lines, which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.