The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has begun the first phase of its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to 12 states as trainers.
The initiative, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy for Nigerians by 2027, was announced by the agency in a statement released on Saturday.
According to NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, the partnership with the NYSC will be instrumental in spreading digital skills across the country as corps members will serve as digital literacy trainers, leveraging their nationwide presence to reach underserved areas.
The 12 states involved in the pilot phase include the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Bayelsa, Abia, and Ebonyi.
Inuwa noted that camp sensitization lectures have already begun, with corps members and local communities being introduced to the goals of the DL4ALL program.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to equip Nigerians with the necessary digital skills to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
The program is expected to create a lasting impact through its decentralized approach, bringing digital skills training to regions that would otherwise be left out of the digital revolution.
Strategic Partnership and Future Goals
This initiative follows the announcement in June of a strategic collaboration between NITDA and the NYSC.
In a meeting between NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, and NYSC Director-General, Brig Gen Y.D. Ahmed, the partnership was positioned as part of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).
The focus is on promoting digital literacy and developing talent nationwide.
NITDA’s goal is to train 30 million Nigerians, especially young people, in digital skills, empowering them to access essential services, participate in the digital economy, and improve their employability.
About NITDA
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a public service institution established by NITDA Act 2007 as the ICT policy implementing arm of the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is responsible for developing programmes that cater for the running of ICT-related activities in the country. NITDA is also mandated with the implementation of policies guideline for driving ICT in Nigeria.
About NYSC
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory, post-tertiary scheme set up by the Nigerian government during the military regime of Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war”.
There is no military conscription in Nigeria, but since 1973, graduates of universities and polytechnics have been required to take part in the National Youth Service Corps program for one year. This is known as the “national service year”. Ahmadu Ali served as the first Director-General of the NYSC until 1975. The incumbent Director-General is Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed.
