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Classrooms Positioned at the Core of Nigeria’s Digital Future
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has underscored the pivotal role of teachers in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation. He stated that classrooms will be central to shaping the country’s technology-driven future.
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Abdullahi made this known during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN) in Abuja. Founded in 2010, DEAN Initiative is a Nigerian non-profit empowering youth leadership in education, governance, climate, and democracy.
Digital Economy Reshaping Education and Teaching Roles
Abdullahi spoke on the theme “Nigeria’s Current Digital Landscape: Our Reality and Its Practical Connection to Education.” Represented by NITDA’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, he noted that the rapid growth of the digital economy is transforming the education sector and redefining the role of educators.
According to him, digital technologies have significantly expanded access to information and learning opportunities. But they also introduce risks that require proper guidance and responsible usage.
Teachers as Digital Mentors, Not Just Instructors
Abdullahi emphasised that teachers must evolve beyond traditional knowledge delivery to become mentors guiding students through the complexities of the digital world.
“Teachers are no longer just instructors; they are now guides who help students identify credible information, avoid harmful online content, and develop responsible digital behaviour,” he stated.
He added that educators must actively promote critical thinking, digital responsibility, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for a technology-driven society.
Digital Literacy Critical to Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness
Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment, Abdullahi highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme. There are also variuos strategic partnerships with educational institutions aimed at strengthening teachers’ digital capabilities.
He stressed that empowering teachers with digital skills is essential to:
- Preparing students for the future workforce
- Driving innovation and knowledge creation
- Enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy
Nigeria is currently pursuing an ambitious target of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, as part of its broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy.
Stakeholders Call for Capacity Building and Infrastructure
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael, said the dialogue was designed to strengthen teachers’ competencies in line with digital economy realities.
“We need to enhance teachers’ capabilities and provide access to the right digital infrastructure,” he said.
Micheal noted that insights from the session would be consolidated into a policy framework for the education sector.
He added that improving teachers’ digital capacity is crucial to positioning Nigeria competitively in the global knowledge economy.
Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria, and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). Others are private sector experts, reflecting a multi-sector commitment to advancing digital education in Nigeria.
