The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa. CCIE, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to accelerate digital literacy and expand access to technology across Nigeria’s basic education system.

Inuwa made this known while receiving the UBEC management team, led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, during a courtesy visit to NITDA Headquarters in Abuja.

He emphasised that collaboration between NITDA and UBEC is central to achieving Nigeria’s national digital literacy targets. “For us, partnering with you will help us achieve more in terms of reaching all students in basic education,” he said, noting that while significant progress has been made in training teachers, the broader national objective must prioritise learners.

He explained that teacher capacity development efforts are already yielding positive results, with digital literacy modules now embedded in NITDA’s programmes and mandated for educators. “We have achieved a lot in training teachers, but impact must be measurable,” he stated. “We need the numbers. How many students are being reached?” he asked, reiterating NITDA’s digital literacy targets of 70 per cent by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

The Director General underscored the importance of leveraging data to measure impact effectively. “With this system, we should be able to know each teacher and how many people they are impacting, so that we can keep proper records and have the numbers,” he said, highlighting the role of Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in tracking progress nationwide.

On infrastructure, he disclosed that NITDA has deployed over 1,500 digital learning centres across the country under its strategic pillar on promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services. While some centres are well utilised, others remain underused. “We want every Nigerian to have access to digital infrastructure and services,” Inuwa stated, proposing that both agencies share data, map their interventions, and complement each other’s efforts to maximise impact.

Addressing the issue of internet connectivity in schools, Inuwa called for further exploration of sustainable models. “Let us explore multiple services they can use. How can we get more internet services to schools” he asked, stressing that connectivity is crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital learning facilities.

Beyond infrastructure and literacy, Inuwa offered to share NITDA’s digital transformation playbook with UBEC to support internal reforms within the Commission. “Digital transformation is a journey. It is not a one‑off initiative. At each stage, when you reach your target, you need to set a new one,” he said.

He cited NITDA’s AI transformation roadmap, which involved training all staff on Generative AI and encouraging them to develop innovative use cases. “The idea was to train them and challenge them to see how AI can enhance what they do,” he explained, adding that, “AI is not here to replace people. If a junior staff member can transition from moving files to managing an AI system, I believe anyone can embrace and use AI.”

Inuwa further explained how process re-engineering within the Agency reduced repetitive approvals and administrative bottlenecks. “A Director General is not an expert in audit, procurement, or project management. Why can’t they just work and bring the final product for approval?” he remarked, noting that streamlined workflows allow leadership to focus on strategic direction.

In her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, described the partnership with NITDA as both strategic and essential.  She said, “For us in UBEC, our key mandate is universal access to basic education for all Nigerian children. So, it’s a big responsibility,” stressing that UBEC does not consider this mandate one it can fulfil alone. “We always seek partners that work with us—not just government agencies, but also communities and parents,” she added.

Garba highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that over 47 million children are currently within Nigeria’s basic education system. “Whatever the number is, it’s not a small one,” she said, referencing varying statistics on out‑of‑school children. “Outside basic education, you have fewer than five million. So, this is really the biggest stake we all have.”

She emphasised that collaboration with NITDA is key to bridging access gaps and improving quality. “Partnering with NITDA is a necessity for us. We need to work together to use technology to bridge the lack of access in the country and to improve the quality of education,” she said, pointing to enrolment concerns and foundational literacy challenges in some states.

Garba also expressed appreciation for the NITDA Director General’s continued support.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has underscored the importance of deeper collaboration with state governments, saying sub-national alignment is essential to achieving Nigeria’s digital economy objectives.

He spoke online at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, which brought together policymakers, technology leaders, civil society organisations and ecosystem players to chart a path for accelerated digital development across the region.

The NITDA boss noted that while the Agency has made notable progress at the federal level, the real measure of success lies in how effectively national policies are translated into actionable programmes within states. According to him, digital transformation can only be sustained when states domesticate policies and establish clear implementation structures.

He referenced key frameworks, including the Nigerian Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework, observing that although several states have created ICT-focused ministries and agencies, some still lack comprehensive enabling laws and structured governance mechanisms. NITDA, he assured, remains ready to provide technical guidance to states seeking to strengthen their digital ecosystems.

Digital literacy, he stressed, remains central to inclusive growth. Under the National Digital Literacy Framework, NITDA aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030. Working with the Federal Ministry of Education, digital skills have been embedded in school curricula, with teachers across the country undergoing capacity-building programmes to support technology-driven learning. States in the South-South were encouraged to ensure that educators in both public and private schools fully participate in the initiative.

The DG also highlighted ongoing efforts to upskill public servants. In collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, more than 54,000 federal civil servants have enrolled in structured digital skills training. Similar programmes, he said, are being considered for rollout across South-South states to enhance governance efficiency and public service delivery.

On partnerships, Inuwa pointed to collaborations with Cisco, which provide access to self-paced digital courses, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose digital champions conduct community-based sensitisation in markets, worship centres, motor parks and among senior citizens. He urged stakeholders in the zone to strengthen coordination and co-create practical initiatives to expand digital inclusion.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation in Cross River State, Dr Justin Atiang Beshel, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to leverage technology for sustainable development.

He said Cross River is prioritising broadband expansion and digital infrastructure as the backbone of e-government services, skills development, innovation and job creation. Improved connectivity, he noted, would unlock economic opportunities and enhance service delivery statewide.

Despite challenges such as limited rural connectivity and funding constraints for large-scale ICT projects, the Commissioner expressed optimism about strategic partnerships. He described collaboration with NITDA and private sector players as critical to narrowing the digital divide, boosting cybersecurity resilience and ensuring inclusive participation in the digital economy.

Beshel maintained that sustained investment and coordinated action would position Cross River as a competitive digital hub within Nigeria’s growing technology landscape.

In a significant step toward deepening digital inclusion in Enugu State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has empowered 50 young innovators with digital tools, while commending Governor Peter Mbah for his pivotal support of the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.

Delivering the goodwill message at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, described the Governor’s commitment as instrumental to the successful launch and rapid performance of the Zonal Office, now recognised as one of NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.

“Inuwa noted that Enugu, historically known as Nigeria’s coal city, is undergoing a transition from natural-resource reliance to a knowledge-driven economy. ‘Enugu was once an energy capital powering industries from beneath the earth. Today, the energy driving Enugu is the creativity, talent, and determination of its young people,’” the DG’s message read.

Highlighting the role of digital technology in global economic growth, Inuwa cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that investment in digital skills today will shape national prosperity tomorrow.

As part of the initiative, over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to enhance their skills and foster innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the training.

“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa emphasised, noting NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027. The initiative aligns with the Agency’s broader strategy to shift the nation from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Governor Peter Mbah, in his remarks, described the festival as more than a technology conference, calling it “a reinforcement of intent” and a validation of the state’s ambition to become a credible node in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. Drawing a comparison between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital future, he observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state. Today, he argued, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.

By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah envisions a future where the state harnesses local talent to generate value, turning ideas into globally competitive solutions and establishing Enugu as a hub of knowledge and digital innovation. Referencing global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla, he stressed that control over digital infrastructure is the key to economic leverage in the 21st century.

“Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly,” he advised, underscoring that innovation is not about glamour but solving real problems. He highlighted Enugu’s progress in embedding artificial intelligence in security operations, digitising core government functions, and introducing Geographic Information Systems in land administration to enhance efficiency and strengthen land rights.

Earlier, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, delivered the welcoming address, highlighting the progress made since the inaugural edition of the festival. He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills initiatives, strategic partnerships have been launched—including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative—and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.

Dr. Ezeh outlined the core objectives of ETF 2026: transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy, and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience. He also revealed ongoing reforms to embed technology across governance and public services, including advanced real-time security systems, smart green schools, and modernised public service platforms.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; alongside captains of industry and leading technology experts.

In a strategic move to modernise Nigeria’s public service, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has concluded a specialised digital capacity-building programme for the Federal Character Commission (FCC). The initiative, which included the donation of 35 laptops, aims to transition the Commission from manual processes to a data-driven oversight model, ensuring more transparent and equitable representation across all government MDAs.

In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority area of reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, as well as improving governance for effective service delivery, it forms part of NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) programme aimed at strengthening digital capacity across public sector institutions and building a workforce equipped to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The training, held at the Commission’s headquarters, focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in critical areas such as data analysis and data management, skills considered essential to improving institutional performance and service delivery.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Yusuf Tambour, explained the purpose of the intervention.

“We are here at the Federal Character Commission to carry out a training for staff of the Commission in the area of digital literacy to enhance their proficiency,” he stated.

He noted that the training was deliberately tailored to align with the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.

“We are particularly focusing on data analysis and data management, because this really aligns with the core mandate of the Commission,” he said.

The Federal Character Commission, which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring equitable representation in public service across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), relies heavily on accurate and well-managed data to carry out its oversight functions.

By strengthening staff capacity in data handling and digital tools, NITDA aims to enhance the Commission’s ability to manage nationwide datasets efficiently and transparently.

Describing the programme as impactful and well-received by participants, Inuwa said, “So it’s been a great journey. We’ve trained 35 participants here, and the training has been very well received.”

As part of the intervention, NITDA donated 35 laptops to the Commission to facilitate continuous learning and enable staff to seamlessly integrate digital tools into their daily operations.

The gesture is expected to reinforce the sustainability of the training outcomes and improve workflow efficiency within the Commission.

Expressing optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiative, Inuwa added, “We are hoping that this will help the Commission to manage the very, very important data that they collect across all MDAs.”

The intervention reflects NITDA’s sustained commitment to deepening digital inclusion within government institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda. By equipping public servants with practical digital skills and the necessary tools, the Agency is advancing institutional efficiency, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of a modern public service capable of driving inclusive national development and economic reform.

PRESS RELEASE

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined sixty (60) other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on Al-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

The Joint Statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly. This underscores the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The Joint Statement highlights concerns over the misuse of Al-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups. It calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

The current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of Al. It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, led the initiative for the development of the National Al Strategy. The NDPC also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which, amongst others, mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of Al tools.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria.

SIGNED
BABATUNDE BAMIGBOYE ESQ. CDPRP
HEAD, LEGAL, ENFORCEMENT & REGULATIONS