Digital Literacy 4ALL: NITDA, CISCO, NSUK Partner to Launch Initiative

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with CISCO and Nasarawa State University (NSUK), has launched the Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL), a federal government initiative that seeks to ensure that every Nigerian has access to digital literacy.

NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration during the launch of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4NSUK) programme at NSUK.

He stated that the Federal Government had established a policy framework to support this programme, aimed at building students’ digital skills across the country.

In a significant stride towards achieving the present administration’s target of 70% digital literacy for Nigerians by 2027, NITDA, in collaboration with CISCO and Nassarawa State University, Keffi, has launched the DL4NSUK programme. This initiative, known as Digital Literacy… pic.twitter.com/MGVZultZx0

— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) November 7, 2024

“The DL4ALL initiative was launched in July last year, with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), aimed at incorporating digital skills training into the academic curriculum, equipping students with essential technology skills to thrive in the digital age,” he said.

“This initiative represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria. By uniting academia, the private sector, and government, we are not only boosting digital literacy but strengthening our digital sovereignty.”

“We are aiming to produce graduates who are equipped with practical technological skills, not just academic certificates,” he noted.

Speaking at the launch of the DL4ALL programme in NSUK, Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner of Science and Technology, Mr. Samuel Kafu-Emaba, affirmed the governor’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen in the state is highly educated.

The commissioner encouraged all students and lecturers to embrace the programme, which would provide students with exposure to the current digital world.

“Governor Sule is committed to ensuring every citizen in Nasarawa is digitally literate. This programme is part of our broader vision to align with President Tinubu’s target of 70% digital literacy by 2027,” he said.

Also Read: NITDA opens applications for ‘DigitalforAll Challenge’ 2.0

In her welcome remarks, NSUK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Saadatu Liman, expressed her vision to make NSUK a leader in Nigeria’s technology and cyber landscape.

“My dream is to position NSUK as a key player in Nigeria’s technological space.”

“Through this initiative, we’re not only empowering students and staff but also positively impacting the surrounding community. We want our graduates to be at the forefront, shaping digital literacy in society.”

Prof. Liman noted that the partnership represents a transformative stage to equip students with essential digital literacy skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century digital landscape.

“This initiative is not only empowering our students but also positioning NSUK as a regional leader in information communication technology, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

“This strategic integration of cutting-edge technology into our curriculum opens opportunities for students and staff, enabling them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative mindsets essential for navigating the rapidly evolving digital world,” she added.

The Vice-Chancellor further expressed her confidence that the collaboration would bring measurable benefits to the university, students, community, and staff as a whole.