The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has started the “Digital Literacy for All” programme to close Nigeria’s digital divide.
According to a statement from the agency acquired on Sunday, the plan was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aim of reforming the economy for long-term, inclusive growth.
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Digital Literacy Initiative: 70% by 2027
To guarantee that no Nigerian is left behind in our ever-changing digital world, the “Digital Literacy for All” programme set out to guarantee that every Nigerian has access to digital literacy.
“This programme is intended to advance Nigeria towards a mid-term goal of reaching 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027,” NITDA stated.
It clarified that the initiative’s goal was to provide people with the means to safely access and utilise internet resources for government services, work, and education.
As per the agency, the participants will acquire the skills necessary for numerous in-demand jobs, communicate and work efficiently through digital tools, and safeguard themselves against cyber risks and false information.
It went on to say that one of the leading causes of Nigeria’s digital gap is a lack of internet access, which results in differences in opportunities, services, and information availability between people who are and are not online.
Bridging the Mobile Internet Gap in Nigeria
According to a Groupe Special Mobile Association survey, approximately 71% of Nigerians do not regularly have mobile Internet access.
According to the GSMA, Nigeria might gain 15 million more internet users by 2028 if the appropriate legislative framework was in place to solve the issues impeding the growth of telecom coverage.
N15 trillion needed to close digital gap
Nigeria needs to invest more than N15 trillion to close the gap in its digital infrastructure, as stated by the Nigerian Association of Telecommunications Companies.
The Nigerian government has forged a strategic alliance with the World Bank to close the digital divide and improve connectivity across the country.
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About NITDA
The Nigerian Information Technology Policy was implemented, and the nation’s overall IT growth was coordinated with the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in April 2001.
They are required by the National Information Technology Development Act (2007) to establish a framework for the planning, development, application, standardisation, coordination, monitoring, assessment, and control of information technology practices, activities, and systems in Nigeria.
Fostering digital literacy and talent development; creating a solid ecosystem for technology research; bolstering the legal and policy framework; encouraging equitable access to digital infrastructure and services; bolstering cybersecurity and boosting digital trust; fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem; forming strategic alliances and cooperation; and fostering a lively organisational culture and flexible workforce are the main focuses of their strategic priorities.