The Federal Government of Nigeria has set an ambitious goal to achieve 95% digital literacy nationwide by 2030, with a target of training at least 30 million citizens by 2027, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by Director of Stakeholder Management Aristotle Onumo, announced the plan on Thursday in Abuja during the Grand Finale of the Tech4Dev Digital for All Challenge 2.0.
“Our aim is to ensure 95 per cent of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030. By 2027, we want 30 million Nigerians trained and digitally empowered. We cannot do this alone, which is why we are working with partners,” Abdullahi said.
NYSC, schools, civil service key to initiative
Abdullahi explained that the NYSC has become a central partner in the project, with corps members deployed nationwide as Digital Literacy Champions.
He added that digital literacy has now been integrated into Nigeria’s primary, secondary, and tertiary education curricula, citing Nasarawa State University as an example where students earn Cisco certifications by their first year.
Civil servants are also being targeted, with digital skills now a mandatory requirement in promotion examinations.
‘Digital skills are new currency’
The NITDA boss stressed that digital skills are the “new currency of the 21st century,” vital for innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.
He praised Tech4Dev for its role in the programme, describing the Digital for All Challenge as “a shared vision.”
Support from government and global partners
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving digital literacy for job creation and national development.
Similarly, UK International Development Digital Access Programme Adviser, Idongesit Udoh, lauded the initiative as a “landmark project,” saying it had boosted skills, connectivity, and trust across the country.
“For young people, it provided a chance to compete globally. For civil servants, it strengthened service delivery. For children and teenagers, it opened up digital journeys early on,” Udoh noted.
Competition impacts over one million Nigerians
Co-founder of Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo, said the challenge has reached more than one million Nigerians through training, assessments, and awareness campaigns.
The programme included categories for young learners (ages 8–18), youth beginners, youth intermediates (cybersecurity, product design, data analysis, digital marketing, software development), and civil servants.
Winners rewarded with cash prizes
- Miracle Michael — ₦15 million (overall winner)
- Chinedu Arisa — ₦12.5 million (second prize)
- Ismail Adam — ₦10 million
- Uluchi Chibueze — ₦7.5 million
Oladepo noted that the initiative is equipping Nigerians across “all groups, ages, and classes” with the tools to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
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