NITDA Reinforces Commitment to Digital Literacy at African Edutech Conference 2024

At the African Edutech Conference 2024, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering digital literacy and transforming education across Nigeria. The event, held at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja, featured a panel discussion titled “Africa’s Edtech Ecosystem: Past, Present, and Building the Future,” where NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, was represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department.

Speaking on behalf of Inuwa, Dr. Tambuwal emphasized NITDA’s active role in expanding digital literacy to all segments of society, highlighting that the agency’s initiatives focus on localization and democratization of digital skills. These efforts align closely with the Federal Government’s ambitious goal of achieving 95% digital literacy across Nigeria by 2030, a target seen as vital for Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy.

“Our dedication to making digital literacy accessible and inclusive is unwavering. We are rolling out programs that will allow individuals in both urban and rural areas to access digital skills training, ensuring no community is left behind,” stated Dr. Tambuwal. He further elaborated on several key initiatives NITDA has introduced, including community-based digital hubs, specialized training programs for educators, and partnerships with international tech firms to localize content for Nigerian learners.

The conference, which gathered prominent thought leaders, policymakers, and educators from across Africa, provided a platform for dialogue on how technology can transform education in Africa. The discussion spotlighted the progress made in building a resilient edtech ecosystem and the steps needed to future-proof digital learning infrastructure on the continent.

Dr. Tambuwal also highlighted that NITDA’s digital literacy programs are designed to empower youth and underserved communities, providing them with essential skills that will prepare them for a digital-driven economy. He reiterated NITDA’s commitment to promoting an equitable digital learning environment through initiatives such as e-learning platforms tailored to Nigerian curricula, access to affordable digital devices, and robust internet infrastructure development.

“Our mission is to see that by 2030, Nigerians from all walks of life can engage meaningfully in the digital world, contributing to and benefiting from the innovations in our country and beyond,” Dr. Tambuwal added.

The African Edutech Conference 2024 underscored the critical role that digital literacy plays in shaping the future of African education. As the Federal Government’s key IT agency, NITDA’s proactive approach serves as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s edtech ecosystem, setting the foundation for an inclusive, tech-driven future for the nation.

For more updates on NITDA’s digital literacy initiatives and Nigeria’s strides in edtech, stay tuned to our exclusive reports.