The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2030, with at least 30 million citizens to be trained and empowered by 2027.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management, Aristotle Onumo, disclosed this in Abuja at the Grand Finale of the Tech4Dev Digital for All Challenge 2.0.
“Our aim is to ensure that 95 per cent of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030. By 2027, we want to see 30 million Nigerians trained and digitally empowered. We cannot do this alone, which is why we are working with partners,” Abdullahi said.
He explained that NITDA is working closely with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and educational institutions nationwide. Corps members are now being trained as Digital Literacy Champions and deployed across all local government areas to train citizens.
Abdullahi further revealed that digital literacy has been integrated into Nigeria’s national curriculum at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. For instance, at Nasarawa State University, digital literacy is embedded into General Studies, with students earning Cisco certification by their first year.
Civil servants are also being targeted. “For civil servants, digital literacy is now a compulsory component of promotion examinations. This is another step towards achieving our target of a digitally literate nation by 2027,” he noted.
Commending Tech4Dev, Abdullahi described the initiative as a “shared vision” to equip Nigerians with 21st-century skills.
“Digital literacy is the new currency of the 21st century. With the right skills, we are laying the foundation for innovation, job creation and sustainable prosperity,” he said.
Tech4Dev co-founder Oladiwura Oladepo noted that the first edition benefited nearly 18,000 youths, while the second edition has deepened digital literacy across diverse groups—children, teenagers, youths, civil servants and professionals.
“This programme has impacted Nigerians at every level, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. Over one million Nigerians have been reached at different stages of this challenge,” she said.
The competition saw winners from across the six geopolitical zones, with substantial cash prizes awarded. Miracle Michael won the grand prize of ₦15 million, Chinedu Arisa received ₦12.5 million, Ismail Adam got ₦10 million, while Uluchi Chibueze earned ₦7.5 million.
UK International Development Digital Access Adviser, Idongesit Udoh, described the programme as “a landmark project” that has expanded opportunities across Nigeria.
“Skills, connectivity and trust are the foundations of a modern digital economy, and this project has advanced all three across the country,” Udoh said.
He added that the initiative has boosted global competitiveness, strengthened service delivery for civil servants, and given young people tools to compete internationally.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital literacy, saying it is critical not only for job creation but also for national development.
