In a significant step towards achieving President Tinubu’s vision of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has collaborated with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to launch the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative.
The program seeks to equip every Nigerian citizen with basic digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven world, with a target of achieving 70% digital literacy for all Nigerians by 2027.
DL4ALL aims to empower citizens to access opportunities, contribute to national development, and secure a brighter future. The strategic partnership with NYSC will leverage the energy and reach of corps members nationwide, who will serve as Champions during their service year, providing training and sensitization on digital skills within the communities they serve.
The program will utilize the existing NYSC structure to kickstart nationwide sensitization and skill-building, ensuring that even in the most remote areas, the message and benefits of digital literacy will be received. The pilot phase has already begun in 12 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with camp sensitization lectures underway.
In June 2024, NITDA and NYSC formed a strategic alliance, following a meeting between their Director-Generals, Kashifu Inuwa and Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed, in Abuja. This partnership supports NITDA’s SRAP 2.0 goals, focusing on digital literacy and talent development through the DL4ALL Initiative.
The collaboration aims to empower 30 million Nigerians, especially youth, with digital skills, enabling them to access essential services, participate in the digital economy, and enhance their employability.
In line with this vision, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced that the government’s training programs aim to achieve 90% digital literacy among Nigerians by 2030. The ongoing 3MTT initiative is part of this effort, targeting the training of 3 million Nigerians in digital skills over the next three years.
