NITDA Partners with FCT-UBEB to Enhance Digital Literacy in Schools
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
In a significant move to boost digital literacy among school children in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB).
This partnership aims to revolutionize how young Nigerians engage with technology and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, announced this during a meeting with a delegation from the FCT-UBEB Head-to-Head Debate Committee. The delegation, led by Acting Executive Chairman Dr. Alhassan Sule, visited NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja to explore potential areas of collaboration.
Inuwa, represented by NITDA’s Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, stated that this collaboration aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027, particularly the pillar aimed at fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents.
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“The integration of technology into education is crucial for capturing the interest and potential of young people,” said Inuwa. “Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology. Unlike digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment.”
He highlighted NITDA’s efforts in providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation, including digital learning centers across all states. The Digital Literacy for All program, a national initiative by NITDA, is designed to extend digital education resources nationwide.
Inuwa urged the FCT-UBEB delegation to leverage this program to enhance digital literacy skills among students and out-of-school children.
Inuwa also discussed NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies, emphasizing extensive research and development in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
He referred to a recent collaboration with the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition for secondary schools in Abuja, aimed at spurring interest in technology among students.
“We can work together to ensure that interest in Robotics is cultivated among the youth,” he added.
Inuwa outlined NITDA’s goal of achieving 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027. This includes integrating digital literacy into the national educational curriculum and providing hands-on experience with technologies like AI and Robotics.
He also stressed the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children through programs that combine incentives like school feeding with digital literacy and other educational training.
“This multifaceted approach will ensure that children are not only fed but also equipped with essential digital skills, paving the way for a more inclusive and technologically proficient future,” he said.
Dr. Sule commended NITDA for its strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable, digitally transformed economy in Nigeria. He mentioned that the Head-to-Head Committee is responsible for conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, which will see 900 students from the FCT participate.
Finalists from the competition will enter a reality house, with live broadcasts on various media platforms, where they will receive training on AI and Robotics.
