Inuwa: Empowering Nigerian teachers with digital skills key to transformation, future workforce

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, emphasises that empowering teachers with digital skills is vital to preparing Nigerian students for the future workforce while ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital economy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasised the critical role teachers play in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.

ConsumerConnect reports Inuwa said that classrooms would be central to shaping the country’s technology-driven future.

The Director-General of the agency noted this in his remarks during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN), in Abuja, FCT.

Speaking on the theme: “Nigeria’s Current Digital Landscape: Our Reality and Its Practical Connection to Education”, the NITDA Chief Executive, represented at the forum by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships of the agency, averred the rapid expansion of the digital economy is reshaping the education sector and redefining the role of teachers in modern learning environments.

As digital technologies have created unprecedented access to information and opportunities for students, they also present challenges that require guidance and responsible use, stated he.

Inuwa also submitted that teachers must go beyond the traditional role of knowledge transmission to become mentors, who help students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

He further said: “Teachers are no longer just instructors; they are now guides who help students identify credible information, avoid harmful online content, and develop responsible digital behaviour.”

The NITDA Chief urged educators to cultivate critical thinking among students while equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.

Inuwa, therefore, reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to advancing digital literacy nationwide through initiatives, such as the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, and partnerships with educational institutions, to strengthening teachers’ digital capacity.

He as well emphasised that empowering teachers with digital skills is vital to preparing Nigerian students for the future workforce and ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.

The agency noted that

Nigeria is currently pursuing an ambitious digital literacy agenda, as it targets 70 percent digital literacy by 2027.

NITDA said the move was part of broader efforts at building a knowledge-driven economy, powered by innovation and technology.

Earlier in his remarks, Semiye Michael, Executive Director of DEAN Initiative, also stressed the workshop was designed to re-engineer teachers’ capacity in line with the realities of the digital economy.

Michael stated: “We need to strengthen teachers’ competence and provide them with access to the necessary digital infrastructure.”

He said the engagement would help to shape policies that support technology-driven learning in Nigerian schools.

The Executive Director of DEAN Initiative also described the workshop as an “awesome experience”.

Ideas generated during the session, he noted, would be consolidated into a policy guide for the ministry and other relevant agencies.

Michael further noted that strengthening teachers’ digital capacity would be vital to enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.

The event attracted key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), as well as private sector experts, NITDA added.

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