NITDA, In Conjunction With The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development And The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kick Start Initiative to Foster Digital Literacy

In a bid to implement its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar of “Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents,” the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has commenced a comprehensive initiative to enhance digital literacy across the federation.

The strategic partnership which was formalised at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Secretariat in Abuja, seeks to bridge the digital gap and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the economy and deliver sustained inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of tech-savvy individuals.

The initiative will concentrate on providing practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

This initiative organized by NITDA and NYSC aims to reach 30,000,000 of Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, with the goal of equipping them with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

Speaking on the importance of digital literacy, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, stressed leveraging on technology to enhance productivity and digital skills.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE said, “We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates and build digital skills capacity among Corp Members. Today we are here on the bigger mission.”

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, received a complimentary plaque from the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General, Y.D. Ahmed during a courtesy visit to the the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Headquarters

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE cited global research which predicted 85,000,000 talent deficits by 2030, which could result in a loss of 8,500,000,000 US dollars in annual value if unaddressed. According to the Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, this initiative will not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027. The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” the Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE added.

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE further detailed the implementation plan, which includes training National Youth Service Corp Members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

“Our target is how can we leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy. The initiative will involve onboarding National Youth Service Corp Members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

“We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges, harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” the Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, added.

On his part, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, praised the partnership, while stressing unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.

The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom said, “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and we are 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”

The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom acknowledged the dedication and commitment of all involved and expressed gratitude towards the NYSC’s leadership, commitment and availability to the cause.

The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, in his response, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully engage.

The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed said, “This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no any iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” the director of NYSC assured.

Source: https://techeconomy.ng/nitda-nysc-launch-initiative-to-boost-digital-literacy