By 
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is collaborating with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria through technological advancements. This partnership aligns with NITDA’s ongoing efforts to implement presidential priorities focusing on education, health, and social investment by enhancing capacities through digital innovation and inclusive access to technology.
RELATED: NITDA commits to 70% digital literacy by 2027, partners with Afre.lib Academy for tech initiatives
During a recent meeting in Abuja, Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, Director of ACEPHAP, and Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, discussed plans to leverage technology as an enabler across all critical sectors, particularly healthcare. Abdullahi emphasized that technology is crucial for enhancing productivity and innovation across various sectors.
Outlining NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), Abdullahi highlighted the administration’s commitment to utilizing technology to achieve significant healthcare advancements. “Healthcare is key to us, and the President is also big and loud on it,” he noted, referencing NITDA’s strategic plan, which includes eight pillars aimed at achieving substantial milestones in the sector.
Key initiatives include the Digital Literacy for All program, which aims to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030, and training 3 million Nigerians in high-demand IT skills through partnerships with platforms like Coursera. Abdullahi stressed the importance of increasing digital fluency among citizens to build digital offerings within the country.
He also shared insights on various strategic initiatives, including fostering a robust technology research ecosystem, strengthening policy implementation, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure, and enhancing cybersecurity. NITDA is investing in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, Robotics, UAVs, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing, with plans to establish centers of excellence across geopolitical zones.
Emphasizing cybersecurity, Abdullahi assured that protecting patient data is critical as the healthcare sector digitizes. He also highlighted NITDA’s support for startups through the Nigeria Startup Act, encouraging them to benefit from incentives and resources to foster innovation.
Prof. Galadanci expressed optimism about the collaboration, envisioning it as a transformative step toward addressing healthcare challenges through technology and innovation. She shared success stories from ACEPHAP’s healthcare entrepreneurship boot camp and pitching event, where young innovators were supported with seed grants.
The partnership aims to translate research into impactful policies and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and healthcare professionals. “We sincerely hope this will be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship that will translate to the true meaning of the quadruple helix in the quest to address healthcare challenges through technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa,” remarked Prof. Galadanci.
This collaboration marks a significant step in leveraging digital innovation to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, positioning the country for a digitally-driven future.
