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Tag: NITDA

  • Lagos partners NDPA, NITDA to increase revenue generation

    Lagos partners NDPA, NITDA to increase revenue generation

    Lagos State Government has established partnership with the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enhance its revenue generation capabilities.

     The collaboration was the climax of the Eko Revenue Plus Summit 2024, organized in collaboration between Modo Ante and the Lagos State Government, supported by Wema Bank.

     The event themed “Unlocking New Revenue Streams for Lagos State” brought together experts, stakeholders in the tax collection and administration with singular aim of unlocking new revenue streams for the state.

     The two-day event spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, climaxed with a partnership initiative between the Lagos State Government, the Organized Private Sector (OPS), the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enhance its revenue generation capabilities.

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     This collaboration aimed at harnessing digitization and e-governance to drive economic growth while safeguarding citizens’ data in compliance with the NDPC’s regulatory framework.

    Speaking during the Summit, National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, stressed the importance of aligning Lagos’ initiatives with the national data protection law recently signed by the President. He urged the state to adhere to the established framework rather than creating separate legislation.

     “And we at the Nigerian Data Protection Commission are here, and we have to support you, and by extension, the government of Nigeria. We are ready and more than happy to support Lagos State,” he assured.

     The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by a senior executive, commended the LASG for its advancements in infrastructure and e-governance. He pledged continued support from NITDA to bolster the state’s digitization efforts, acknowledging the critical role of technology in driving economic development.

  • NITDA seeks collaboration for financial literacy

    NITDA seeks collaboration for financial literacy

    Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has called for increased collaboration among key players in the Fintech ecosystem to enhance financial literacy and promote financial inclusion for all citizens, a move he said is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Economic Growth; Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation and Digitisation; and Improving Governance for Effective Service Delivery.

    Inuwa made the call at the 6th edition of the annual FirstBank FinTech Summit where he joined other key players in the ecosystem in a session entitled: “Policy and Infrastructure: Navigating Financial Regulations for Fintech Innovations” held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He said NITDA’s regulatory approach, based on a triple helix model, is not just about imposing standards but actively creating and supporting markets.

    Outlining the objectives of the Regulatory Intelligence Framework developed by the agency to create marketing values, enable innovations, protect consumers and effectively discharge services, Inuwa said priority was given to collaborations with the ecosystem in meeting these deliverables.

    “To achieve this, we came up with a way which we call the participatory framework or policy dialogue for any regulation. This is because at the heart of everything we do is co-designing and co-creation,” he said.

    He said collaboration was instrumental in successfully implementing Nigeria’s cashless policy which the agency did in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “NITDA worked with CBN to come up with a cashless policy, which gave birth to the fintech industry we are talking about today.

    Read Also: NITDA issues advisory on LinkedIn job scam 

    “This led to the banks to start upgrading their infrastructures, both hard and software, and the FinTech identified gaps and started coming up with solutions that can bridge the gaps left by the banks,” he said.

    He said the agency is working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and some other stakeholders to develop guidelines for electronic invoicing which will create opportunities for the Fintech.

    “As a regulator with a focus on facilitating financial inclusion, we need to strengthen unified regulations and policy-making, because if you make policies without having the implementers in the room, it will be difficult for them to implement,“  he said.

    He also elaborated on NITDA’s efforts to bridge the digital divide as an essential factor for financial inclusion, underscoring the launch of a National Digital Literacy Framework to integrate digital skills in formal education.

    Highlighting the agency’s efforts at fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents, he said the agency has engaged in collaborations with the Ministry of Education in integrating digital literacy into curriculum and also, with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in training over 17,000 NYSC members annually.

    He added that the initiative is expected to provide basic digital literacy to millions, and aims to engage artisans, market women, senior citizens, and others from the informal sectors.

    Inuwa addressed Nigeria’s data sovereignty issues, particularly regarding reliance on foreign cloud services. He said building in-country cloud capabilities is vital for national security and for empowering local FinTechs. “Without operational sovereignty, we cannot fully control or secure our digital assets,” he stated, mentioning ongoing partnerships with hyperscale providers and local data centres to create cloud infrastructure within Nigeria.

    He said the agency is working with other stakeholders in developing the cybersecurity architecture to achieve financial inclusion while asserting that infrastructures will be created, the unconnected will be connected and promoting digital literacy to foster trust on digital platforms.

    Inuwa said NITDA has several interventions and initiatives aimed at supporting the underserved and unserved areas in the country by building their digital capacities and skills. He urged the fintechs to leverage these opportunities by infusing their financial literacy into them to drive a deeper financial inclusion for all.

    “Nigeria has the infrastructure and with the right collaborations and continued focus on inclusive policies, we can make significant strides in bridging both digital and financial divides,” Inuwa concluded.

    Other panelists who shared their insights and expertise at the session with the DG were the MD & CEO, NIBSS, Mr Premier Oiwoh, CEO, Lagos Lotteries & Gaming Authority, Mr Bashir Are and the Chief Information Officer, FirstBank of Nigeria, Mr Adewale Salami.

  • NITDA stakeholder engagement: Collective vision for Nigeria’s digital innovation

    NITDA stakeholder engagement: Collective vision for Nigeria’s digital innovation

    • By: Mubarak Umar

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with Lagos Business School (LBS) recently convened a workshop themed “Engaging Stakeholders for the Advancement of Nigeria’s Digital Economy” with a focus on the government agency’s role as a regulator.

    The seminar was held to foster alliance, understand sector-specific challenges, and create pathways for collaboration to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation. NITDA reaffirmed its dedication to a digital economy that aligns with the nation’s goals for innovation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

    It is worthy to note that the engagement falls under the seventh pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) – Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration – which has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders as well as the resources of international corporations and research institutions.

    The workshop attracted industry leaders, consumer rights advocates, civil society representatives, academic professionals, and international organisations. Each group offered unique insights into the challenges and expectations surrounding Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, bringing to light critical themes that inform both regulatory considerations and market needs.

    By convening the voices under one roof, NITDA portrayed the importance of collective responsibility in shaping policies that can lead the country toward a robust digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s priority areas of diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation and inclusive growth.

    Read Also: NITDA, others seek policies for digital access

    NITDA understands that Nigeria has great potential; hence, the primary objective of the workshop was to streamline its goals with those of the stakeholders. The gathering deliberated on a broad range of issues such as regulatory challenges, digital rights, data protection, research, and skills development, each of which is integral to a thriving digital environment.

    The participants gave their perspectives on how regulatory measures could better support innovation and reduce barriers to business operations in Nigeria’s digital sector. Presently, NITDA is aiming to refine its regulatory framework to not only foster growth but also ensure an equitable playing field for local and international players.

    For civil society and consumer advocates, the focus was on data protection and digital rights. They encouraged the agency to continue to safeguard consumer interests and build public trust in digital products and services. However, the academic sector and international organisations provided insights on capacity building, research needs, and the adoption of best practices.

    Their contributions at the conference dwelled on the necessity of equipping the nation’s workforce with skills that meet international standards, a factor that has a significant bearing on Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination and its ability to compete in a global digital marketplace.

    The Lagos Business School, renowned for its expertise in business and economic strategy, enriched the workshop by laying out an overview of current market trends and the economic outlook for Nigeria’s digital economy. Their analysis offered an understanding of the opportunities, difficulties, and potential impact areas where NITDA’s regulatory focus could drive meaningful outcomes.

    The LBS presentation aided stakeholders in envisioning the future of the digital economy with a clear understanding of the current direction of emerging technologies, consumer behavior shifts, and the growing influence of digital services in Nigeria. The presentation set a tone for conversations around strategic opportunities that conform with NITDA’s goals for digital transformation.

    A key feature of the workshop was the structured breakout sessions, where stakeholder groups discussed unmet needs, regulatory improvements, and collaborative strategies. This helped the participants in their general assessment as well as recommendations aimed at fostering innovation, transparency, and consumer confidence within Nigeria’s digital economy.

    In his remarks, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa reiterated the agency’s dedication to a stakeholder-centric approach to policy development, stressing that digital transformation depends on inclusive and transparent policymaking. He thanked the attendees for their input and expressed confidence that their insights would be instrumental in shaping policies that promote economic growth, innovation, and public trust.

    Inuwa assured that the agency would improve communication channels to ensure ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, making the agency’s processes more transparent and responsive to evolving market needs. The commitment to open dialogue is intended to reinforce agency’s accountability, helping to build a robust regulatory framework that supports the digital economy.

    The Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop represents a significant step towards building a robust digital economy in Nigeria, fostering cooperation, addressing regulatory challenges, and promoting innovation. Through the confab, NITDA has not only reinforced its role as a regulator but also emphasised its commitment to enabling growth, revolution, and sustainable partnerships.

  • Hackathon 2024: NITDA, ECOWAS boost youth capacity on regional cyber security

    Hackathon 2024: NITDA, ECOWAS boost youth capacity on regional cyber security

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have teamed up with other stakeholders to identify and improve the capacity and skill of West African youth to protect the region’s cyberspace.

    According to the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the partnership become imperative considering the urgent need to protect the region’s cyberspace from the activities of cybercriminals.

    Dr Touray said: “The Hackathon challenge provides a platform for talent identification and support for young individuals interested in new technology.

    “By enhancing the cyber workforce, we contribute to the region’s stability and security. In an age where cyber threats are constantly evolving, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve.”

    Touray who was represented by the Commissioner for Infrastructure Energy and Digitalisation at the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Sediko Douka, said it was important to bring to the youth in the sub-region adequate information and knowledge about the latest developments in Cybersecurity challenges and techniques.

    The ECOWAS Chief made the remarks during the closing ceremony of a two-day 3rd ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon Challenge 2024, organised by the ECOWAS Commission and NITDA in Abuja.

    “By participating in this competition, I am sure you have enhanced your understanding of the latest cybersecurity challenges and techniques. You have also gained hands-on experience that will strengthen your skill set. You have also learned lessons which will allow you to perform better.”

     “It is gratifying to note that the institution of the competition offers ECOWAS the opportunity to reaffirm its ambition to build a very resilient cyber space possible, thus contributing to the global effort to protect digital assets and privacy,” the ECOWAS President told the youth.

    He said he was impressed with multiple awards to winners and participants to motivate them to deepen the Cybersecurity industry and protect digital infrastructure.

    He told the gathering that there are new regulations at the level of the African Union and at ECOWAS regional level regarding Cybersecurity. He urged all countries to abide by these regulations and fundamentally implement them to protect critical institutions.

    The ECOWAS boss said that apart from the awards that were given, there are training programmes that the young people would benefit from sponsored by the donors and partners.

    The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Oladejo Olawumi, said it was necessary for the region to use the competition to harness the talents of the young people to fight cybercrime.

    Read Also: LASU students top 2024 Cavista hackathon

    Inuwa said NITDA would continue to support future events, stressing that “it is very interesting to know that there is healthy competition in this kind of technology sector. That is why we are trying to harness the beautiful energy of the youth to ensure that we fight cybercrime so they won’t have time to go into crime.”

    He said ECOWAS, NITDA, governments, and people in the private sector as well as the academia collaborated to make the competition a success with the goal of tackling the menace of cybercrime in the sub-region.

    The 3rd edition of the ECOWAS Regional Security Hackathon, in Abuja was preceded by the first in Benin Republic and the second one in Togo. The competition had 12 countries from West Africa participating including Mauritania and cash awards and gift items were given to winners and participants.

    The ERROR team from Nigeria emerged third and got a cash prize of $6000 with laptops for each member of the team. The M3V7R  team from Benin Republic came second with a cash prize of $8,000 and laptops for its members, while the First Prize went to Shell X Roots from Cote d’ Ivoire with a cash prize of $10,000 and laptops for members of the group.

  • NITDA, SMEDAN, Sydani Technologies, others launch tech training programmes for youths empowerment

    NITDA, SMEDAN, Sydani Technologies, others launch tech training programmes for youths empowerment

    A tech-professionals organisation, Sydani Technologies, has entered into a partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the training of Nigerian youths in a different set of technological skills for self-empowerment.

    Sydani Technologies is also partnering with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to ensure that the technological vision of the present administration comes to reality.

    The training programme termed Kodex3 is expected to prepare the youths for productive engagements to enhance employability and foster an entrepreneurship mindset among the youths.

    Sources privy to the partnership with NITDA said the training would boost technological skills and opportunities and exposure the youths to varieties of platforms upon which they can contribute to the growth and development of the country.

    As for the SMEDAN, it would provide entrepreneurship opportunities and access to support for enterprising innovations from Nigerian youths.

    The collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps was meant to provide technological skills for young graduates and expose them to areas of possible employment upon leaving the NYSC camps.

    Mr Noble Chinyere-Ugo Ajuonu, PhD, a technological professional with Sydani Technologies who spoke to our Correspondent on the collaboration, said the idea was borne out of the desire to support the Federal Government’s efforts to create empowerment opportunities and jobs for Nigerian youths.

    Ajuonu who is Head of Sydani Technologies said: “In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the necessity for a robust skill set in the tech industry has never been more pressing.

    “Kodex3, an initiative from Sydani Technologies, is stepping into this gap by offering a new model for tech skills development that integrates innovative learning approaches tailored for various stakeholders, including corporate entities, educational institutions, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

    “A significant aspect of Kodex3 is its focus on equipping individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills that often remain absent from traditional academic curriculums. This model seeks not only to enhance employability but also to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among youths.

    “By emphasizing hands-on training and project-based learning, attendees are given the tools to solve real-world problems, ensuring they are job-ready upon completion of their programs.

    “By partnering with organizations such as the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Ministry of Youth Development, Kodex3 strives to reach a wider audience.

    “These collaborations enrich the program and ensure that it aligns with national goals for economic and social development.”

    Ajuonu said the implications of the programme for the public and youth are not only profound but far-reaching as it would contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

    He said participants in the Kodex3 programs/collaboration would have a skill set that is directly applicable in the job market, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

     “This hands-on approach not only enhances individual competence but also contributes to a more skilled workforce, which is vital for businesses seeking talent,” Ajuonu said.

    “Moreover, the resources and training provided by Kodex3 are designed to cultivate a sense of innovation among young people—a critical factor in today’s economy where adaptability and creativity are highly valued.

    Read Also: NITDA DG, Nigerian researchers make presentations at UN conference on electronic governance

    “By encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, Kodex3 helps youths envision and create their own career paths, rather than merely seeking traditional employment opportunities.

    “This empowerment can lead to the establishment of new ventures that contribute to economic growth, thereby benefiting society at large,” he said.

    According to Ajuonu the community-centered approach of the programme emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration.

    He explained that participants are encouraged to engage with their peers and industry professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects.

    “This network-building aspect is invaluable, as it lays the groundwork for ongoing professional support and shared learning even after the training has concluded,” Ajuonu said.

  • NITDA DG, Nigerian researchers make presentations at UN conference on electronic governance

    NITDA DG, Nigerian researchers make presentations at UN conference on electronic governance

    Five Nigerian researchers made a significant impact at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) in Pretoria, South Africa.

    The event, organised by the United Nations University and UNESCO, attracted more than 336 participants from 49 countries, underscoring the global importance of digital governance.

    Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani was represented by Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Kashifu emphasized that the researchers’ participation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.

    The DG highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the conference, noting that out of 157 submitted papers, only 85 were accepted, reflecting the competitive nature of the event.

    Kashifu stated that the insights gained from the research could catalyse technological innovations crucial for economic diversification and governance improvement, furthering President Tinubu’s vision.

    The Director-General reiterated NITDA’s commitment to continuously support research initiatives, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of advancements in digital governance.

    The research that was showcased spans various aspects of digital transformation, collectively aiming to enhance e-governance and stimulate economic growth through technological innovation. 

    Hassana Asuku’s presentation, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” addresses the digital divide in rural areas by proposing a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access. Her multidimensional approach seeks to enhance economic inclusion and civic engagement, aligning with the government’s push for digital growth.

    Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi’s research on “Digital Competency in the Public Sector” highlights the challenges posed by low digital skills among civil servants. He proposes a model for targeted training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation.

    Dr. Agbali Mohammed’s work on “Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)” tackles institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria, aiming to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.

    Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba’s research on “Tax Compliance for SMEs” introduces the Taxpoynt platform, designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses. This advancement is crucial considering the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.

    Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim’s work on “Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance” explores how DPI can enhance citizen liberties, addressing obstacles such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.

    The contributions of these researchers not only position Nigeria as a leading voice in the global conversation on digital governance but also reflect the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

  • NITDA to host cybersecurity awareness month

    NITDA to host cybersecurity awareness month

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will spearhead the annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) this October, aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness across the country.

    The month-long campaign is designed to educate both individuals and organisations on key cybersecurity trends, threats, and preventive measures.

    This year’s theme, “Secure Today, Protect Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard against cyberthreats in an increasingly digital world.

    Throughout the month, NITDA will focus on equipping citizens and businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their security practices.

  • NITDA receives Coursera Global Impact award for advancing digital skills

    NITDA receives Coursera Global Impact award for advancing digital skills

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has received the prestigious Coursera Global Impact Award for its efforts in making a transformative impact in Nigeria through education.

    Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, provides access to courses and degrees from top universities and companies worldwide, empowering people to acquire new skills.

    The award ceremony took place during the 12th annual Coursera Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, where innovative organizations from around the world were celebrated for their contributions to education and the future of learning

    Other winners are iPeople; Larsen & Toubro and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy (AI Innovation Award joint winners); Prince Sultan University (Engagement Excellence Award); Goeasy (Talent Transformation Award); and Dr. Kelvin Bentley of the University of Texas System (Learning Hero Award).

    NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, expressed gratitude to the organizers and emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to strengthen the economy through technology and innovation.

    “Our vision prioritizes ICT as a fundamental component across all sectors, promoting sustainable growth and development in the country,” Inuwa said after receiving the laurel at the event.

    “We are also focusing on internal transformation at NITDA, fostering a vibrant organizational culture and advancing our workforce in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and knowledge management.”

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    As part of its vision, NITDA launched the ‘1 Million Developers and Skills Initiative’ to boost digital skills and position Nigeria as a potential global talent exporter. The programme commenced in September 2022, initially providing 4,000 licenses to learners.

    The agency’s latest recognition is a testament to the success of its initiative. Within two years, 8,000 individuals were trained in nearly 60,000 courses, totalling more than 200,000 learning hours on the Coursera platform.

    The strategic partnership, according to Tech Digest, “addresses immediate skill gaps, lays the groundwork for digital transformation, and significantly enhances the skills, employability and productivity of the trainees.”

  • NITDA, UBEB begin digital empowerment for FCT students

    NITDA, UBEB begin digital empowerment for FCT students

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) at the weekend began a digital training and competition for FCT schools.

    The partnership would see 24 promising young minds from six FCT schools immerse themselves in a two-week intensive training programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, and Robotics, said Hajiya Hadiza Umar, Head of Corporate Communications of NITDA.

    The programme is expected to empower students from the FCT in digital skills and open channels of opportunities for participants and their mates.

    According to Hajiya Umar, the Reality House competition, which is designed to stimulate creativity and problem-solving would host a dynamic group of 54 individuals – three students and a teacher from each of the eight schools, and a 12-person support team.

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    Umar explained in a statement that the programme aimed to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy problem solvers.

     Participants are drawn from JSS Tudun Fulani, JSS Narai Karu, JSS Karu, JSS Kubwa 1, JSS Abaji, JSS Kekeshi, JSS Dutse Alhaji 2, and JSS Pyakasa, She said.

    She added that they would compete in a reality house TV show-style competition, culminating in a head-to-head debate showcasing their newly acquired skills.

    Hajiya Umar said the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitalisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

    She stated that the programme was further captured in NITDA’s pillar of fostering digital literacy and creating a pipeline of tech talent.

    “By equipping these young students with AI, coding, and robotics skills, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” said NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

     “This collaboration with FCT UBEB is a significant step towards building a digitally empowered society”, the DG added.

    The programme would not only enhance students’ academic performance but also instill essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

    Winners of the competition would be rewarded with cash prizes and continued mentorship from NITDA and FCT UBEB, Hajiya Umar said.

    Our correspondent learnt that the previous editions of the programme yielded increased school enrollment and a growing interest in ICT among students and educators.

  • DL4ALL: NITDA to train Corps members, 5,000 youths as digital literacy champions

    DL4ALL: NITDA to train Corps members, 5,000 youths as digital literacy champions

    …in collaboration with GetBundi 

    In its bid to propel Nigeria towards achieving a 70 per cent digital literacy level by 2027, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with GetBundi Education Technology, is embarking on the training of selected National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as well as 5,000 Nigerian youths from the creative industry as Digital Literacy Champions. 

    The training will also include selected individuals in the informal sector from 12 states in Nigeria under the pilot phase that is designed to last till December 2024 before a nationwide deployment. 

    The selected youths will undergo a comprehensive two-week digital literacy training programme and will thereafter receive a 10-week online training in either Graphics, Video Editing, or Digital Marketing that will equip them with valuable skills for their professional development and make them employable as well enlisted in the digital job portal. They will also be onboarded as Digital Literacy Champions and become NITDA ambassadors, training and sharing their knowledge with peers, community, family, and friends.

    The DL4ALL initiative aims at training a critical mass of Nigerians in the informal sector in foundational digital literacy skills to equip them with the necessary tools to access and utilise online resources for education, employment, and financial services safely; protect themselves online from cyber threats and misinformation; communicate and collaborate effectively using digital tools; and develop the digital fluency required for many in-demand jobs. 

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    To achieve this, NITDA is collaborating with GetBundi Education Technology, an edtech platform that is poised to equip Africans with digital skills relevant for the 21st-century digital economy. Already, GetBundi has developed a digital literacy framework for Africa as well as an implementation model which necessitated a collaborative MoU signed between NITDA and GetBundi. 

    NITDA’s DL4ALL initiative seeks to deliver six core competency areas which include Devices and Software Operation, Information & Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Safety and Problem Solving. These areas will provide a foundational understanding of essential digital literacy required in today’s technology-driven world.

    According to NITDA, this initiative will be implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach that will leverage the expertise from reach of a diverse group of actors from across the Nigerian landscape.

    As part of the collaboration, GetBundi will use its digital literacy framework to create learning videos and infographics in the six competency areas of the DL4ALL in English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo by 31st December 2024. The pilot phase, which is July to December 2024, will be based in English language only and will be launched in 12 states. The digital literacy videos will be available on the NITDA DL4ALL portal and GetBundi portal, while the learning videos on Graphics, Video Editing and Digital Marketing will be available on GetBundi platform.

    Speaking at the meet-and-greet with members of the creative industry in Lagos on Friday, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Planning & Strategy, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said the Federal Government acknowledged the contribution of the creative industry to overall economic growth and is willing to support the sector by empowering the members with digital skills to improve on their content delivery and gain more visibility. 

    He further restated the importance of digital literacy in the rapidly evolving digital age.

    “It serves as the foundation upon which creativity and innovation are built, enabling individuals to not only adapt to but also shape the future,” the NITDA DG said.

    He said the programme “is a testament to Government’s commitment to ensuring that every member of the creative industry has the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in this dynamic digital landscape”.

    He further said the creative industry has always been a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural and economic fabric, “driving growth, fostering innovation, and enriching our lives with its boundless creativity and by equipping creatives with digital skills, we are unlocking new opportunities for expression, collaboration, and business growth”.

    “We are paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future where digital literacy is a cornerstone of success,” he said.

    In his response, the Founder of GetBundi Education Technology, Osita Oparaugo, described digital literacy as the cornerstone of successful digital transformation in governance and society.

    “Without digital literacy, the true potential of digital transformation remains untapped, leaving individuals and communities at a disadvantage,” Oparaugo said.

    He thanked the Director General of NITDA “for recognizing the importance of competency and capacity building in digital skills through our collaborative efforts”.

    “Special thanks to the dedicated NITDA team, Tripod Consulting and other external partners involved in this pilot phase. Together, we are actively shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape,” the GetBundi Founder said.

    “To Nigerian youths, NYSC members, creative industry professionals, and individuals in the 12 selected states for the pilot phase, this is your chance to engage in knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. Let’s work together towards fostering a brighter digital future for all,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the creative industry, renowned filmmaker, Teco Benson (MFR), emphasized the long-overdue importance of equipping industry players and newcomers in Nigeria with the right skill sets. 

    “I can assure you that this initiative will renew trust between the creative industry and the government. No one can carry the digital literacy program than us,” Benson said.

    “On behalf of my colleagues, I say thank you to GetBundi founder for leading the DL4ALL initiative,” he said.