By 
NITDA and NYSC Strengthen Collaboration on Digital Literacy
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to advance Nigeria’s national digital literacy drive.
RELATED: NITDA, Ministry of Youth, and NYSC launch digital literacy initiative for Nigerian youth
The renewed partnership was highlighted at a recent ceremony in Abuja, where NITDA recognised outstanding corps members serving as Digital Literacy Champions, presenting ₦3.5 million in cash awards and eight laptops to encourage excellence and innovation.
Awards Recognise Digital Literacy Champions
The presentation was made by the NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja. He was received by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the management team and serving corps members.
According to Abdullahi, the awards form part of NITDA’s broader efforts to strengthen its partnership with the NYSC and motivate corps members actively supporting the Digital Literacy for All initiative.
Accelerating Nigeria’s 70% Digital Literacy Target
Abdullahi explained that the visit was aimed at reinforcing institutional collaboration between both agencies in implementing Nigeria’s Digital Literacy Framework, which supports the Federal Government’s target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2025.
He described digital literacy as a critical enabler of national development, innovation and economic growth, noting that the framework focuses on building foundational skills in:
- Information and data literacy
- Digital content creation
- Innovation and emerging technologies
Corps Members Deployed as Digital Literacy Champions
The NITDA Director-General disclosed that the framework is being implemented through strategic partnerships, with the NYSC playing a central role in achieving nationwide reach.
Under the Digital Literacy for All initiative, corps members are trained and deployed as Digital Literacy Champions to educate citizens in local communities across Nigeria.
He added that NITDA plans to recruit 80 corps members in each state and the Federal Capital Territory, who will deliver daily digital literacy sessions in public spaces such as:
- Markets
- Motor parks
- Religious centres
- Senior citizens’ hubs
- Other community locations
Enhancing Employability and Digital Inclusion
Abdullahi noted that the initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion while equipping corps members with practical, in-demand skills. These are skills designed to enhance employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Participants will also gain access to NITDA’s online learning platforms. Access enables them to further deepen their digital competencies and remain competitive in the evolving digital economy.
Laptops and Cash Awards Presented to Stakeholders
At the ceremony, NITDA presented eight laptops and a total cash award of ₦3.5 million to eight corps members. They all distinguished themselves as Digital Literacy Champions. A dummy cheque and the laptops were formally handed over to the NYSC Director General and the award recipients.
Additional recognition and laptops were also presented to:
- Mind the Gap Foundation
- Dr Stephen Ambore, Chief Executive Officer, Tripod Professional Services Limited
- Mrs Ajayi Funmilayo, Community Development Service and Special Projects Unit
The awards recognised their contributions to advancing the digital literacy initiative.
NYSC Commends NITDA’s Digital Skills Drive
In his remarks, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu commended NITDA for its sustained commitment to strengthening digital skills development nationwide.
He described the relationship between both organisations as longstanding and cordial. Nafiu reaffirmed the NYSC’s support for initiatives that empower young Nigerians and promote national development.
Digital Skills Key to Youth Employment and Productivity
Nafiu noted that over 650,000 graduates were participating in the NYSC scheme annually. This means the partnership will provide a strategic platform for equipping young Nigerians with essential digital skills.
He emphasised that improving digital literacy among corps members would:
- Reduce youth unemployment
- Enhance productivity
- Increase participation in Nigeria’s digital economy
The NYSC Director General expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue to produce digitally skilled, self-reliant, employable graduates. Young Nigerians who will serve as ambassadors of the country’s digital transformation agenda nationwide.
