By 
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB). This partnership seeks to revolutionize the way young Nigerians engage with technology, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
RELATED: NITDA Director General Advocates for digital skills integration in school curriculum
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi announced this initiative during a meeting with a delegation from the Head-to-Head Debate Committee of FCT UBEB, led by its Acting Executive Chairman, Dr. Alhassan Sule, in Abuja. Represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawumi, Director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) department, Abdullahi highlighted that this collaboration aligns with a key pillar of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027: to Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents.
He described the collaboration as a significant development aimed at enhancing digital literacy among Nigerian schoolchildren even as he emphasized the importance of integrating technology into education to engage young people’s interest and potential.
“Children today, often referred to as digital natives, intuitively use technology. Unlike us, who are digital migrants, these children seamlessly adapt to new gadgets and platforms. Therefore, it is essential to embed digital knowledge in their learning environment,” he noted.
NITDA has been actively providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate educational transformation and digital learning centers across all states. The Digital Literacy for All program, a national initiative of the agency, aims to extend digital education resources nationwide. He urged the FCT-UBEB delegation to participate in this program to enhance digital literacy skills among both students and out-of-school children.
Highlighting the agency’s focus on emerging technologies, he mentioned ongoing research and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, essential for future skill sets. He referenced a recent collaboration with the Abuja Enterprise Agency on a Robotics competition for secondary schools in Abuja, aimed at spurring interest in technology among students.
“We can work together in this area and ensure that interest in Robotics is geared up among the youth,” he said.
He also detailed the agency’s efforts to integrate digital literacy into the national educational curriculum, aiming to achieve 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2027.
Dr. Sule commended NITDA for its strategic initiatives to ensure a sustainable, digitally transformed economy. He explained that the Head-to-Head Committee is responsible for conducting the FCT Basic Schools debate competition, involving 900 students. Finalists will enter a reality house, aired live on various media platforms, where they will receive training in AI and Robotics.
This collaboration marks a critical step toward advancing digital education and preparing Nigerian children for the future.
