Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to establishing Nigeria as a digitally empowered nation, with an ambitious goal of attaining 95 percent digital literacy by the year 2030.
This announcement was made on Thursday during the grand finale of the Digital for All Challenge 2.0, an initiative by Tech4Dev, which is funded by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and executed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, who is the Director of Stakeholder Management, stated that the government’s strategy for digital inclusion is being carried out through extensive partnerships, including cooperation with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He revealed that over 30 million Nigerians, especially those in rural regions, are being targeted for training, with digital champions deployed across the country to support the initiative.
“We are incorporating digital literacy into school curricula nationwide, from primary education to university level, and collaborating with the Head of Civil Service to ensure that digital skills are a prerequisite for advancement in the civil service,” Onumo stated.
He further mentioned that NITDA aims to achieve 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 as a stepping stone towards reaching 95 percent by 2030.
Onumo urged stakeholders to collaborate, emphasizing that digital literacy is essential for everyone — the youth, the elderly, the employed, job seekers, traders, civil servants, and others.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Oladiwura Oladepo, Co-Founder of Tech4Dev, characterized the initiative as a national movement aimed at enhancing digital knowledge and inclusion throughout all segments of society.
She remarked that the program has already influenced over one million Nigerians from all six geopolitical zones.
Oladepo stated that the Digital for All Challenge 2.0 is more than merely a competition; it is a movement aimed at unlocking opportunities and bridging the digital divide for individuals, families, and the nation.
Mr. Idongesit Udo, Digital Access Programme Adviser representing the British High Commission, commended the initiative for providing young Nigerians with the chance to compete on a global scale, enabling civil servants to enhance service delivery, and assisting children in starting their digital journey at an early age.
He underscored the UK’s extensive partnership with Nigeria, which encompasses initiatives in cybersecurity (Africa Cyber Programme), standardization (British Standards Institute), and entrepreneurship (UK-Nigeria Tech Hub), all designed to promote a flourishing digital economy.
During the event, participants from all six geopolitical zones competed across various categories. The first prize winner, Miracle Michael, was awarded N15 million. The second prize was awarded to Chinedu Arisa, who received N12.5 million, while Ismail Adam and Uluchi Chibueze were awarded N10 million and N7.5 million, respectively.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who presented the awards, praised the initiative for preparing Nigerian youth with skills that are ready for the future.
She stressed that digital literacy is crucial not only for job creation but also for national development, and she encouraged more young individuals to engage in programs of this kind.
