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Digital awareness programme earns global recognition.
Nigeria, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has emerged as a winner of the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize, securing top honours under Category C3: Access to Information and Knowledge for its impactful Digital Awareness Programme (DAP).
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Outshining hundreds of global submissions, the DAP received the highest number of votes in its category, a testament to the programme’s transformative role in bridging the digital divide in Nigerian education.
Empowering Future Generations with ICT Access
Since its launch in 2006, the Digital Awareness Programme has equipped over 300 secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with ICT infrastructure and internet connectivity, supporting teaching, learning, and research. The initiative is part of NCC’s broader mission to advance digital literacy and inclusion nationwide.
NCC Celebrates Win in Geneva
The award was presented to Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, at the WSIS Prizes 2025 Winners Ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his remarks, Dr. Maida thanked the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WSIS community, describing the win as an encouragement to deepen efforts in driving digital access.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development,” Dr. Maida stated.
“Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage.”
Other Nigerian Projects Also Recognised
In addition to DAP’s win, four other Nigerian initiatives were acknowledged in the WSIS Champions Category for their impact and merit:
- Women Techsters (Capacity Building)
- Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary
- Institutions (ADEPTI) (Capacity Building)
- Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative (Enabling Environment)
- Digital Learning Initiative (e-Learning)
Although these projects didn’t win their categories, their global recognition reinforces Nigeria’s growing presence in the digital development ecosystem.
WSIS: Promoting Global ICT-Driven Sustainable Development
Organised by the United Nations via the ITU, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) promotes the use of ICTs for sustainable development. The annual WSIS Forum brings together leaders from government, private sector, civil society, and academia to implement WSIS Action Lines aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WSIS Prizes highlight innovative global projects that leverage technology to create inclusive, people-centred digital societies—and Nigeria’s success this year marks a major milestone in its digital transformation journey.
A Win for Nigeria’s Digital Future
Nigeria’s victory at WSIS 2025 reaffirms its commitment to bridging the digital divide, especially in education and youth empowerment. As the country continues to champion ICT-driven inclusion, the Digital Awareness Programme stands as a model of what’s possible when policy, infrastructure, and education align to create opportunity.
