The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a large-scale nationwide project to increase digital literacy in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and other stakeholders.
The Agency made the announcement on Friday following a meeting in Abuja between NYSC Director-General Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed and NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa.
According to the NITDA DG, the relationship aligns with the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which aims to cultivate talent and promote digital literacy through the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative.
The programme would teach valuable digital skills including software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, according to Kashifu.
He said: “It will also bridge the digital divide in Nigeria, equip young Nigerians with skills needed for the digital economy, increase employability of youths and drive innovation and economic growth.
“Overall, this initiative seems like a significant step towards improving digital literacy in Nigeria, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce and economic growth.
During his visit, NYSC Director-General Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed offered to establish a Community Development Service (CDS) to assist with this project.
Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of State for Youth, praised the collaboration and underlined the importance of unity of purpose in achieving common goals.
He said: “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and working towards the same goal.
“I also believe that if there is anything we can give, it is our commitment. Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important.”
We earlier reported that the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency has called for more efforts on digital content moderation to reduce hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying.