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FG Targets 70% Digital Literacy, Prioritises Teacher Upskilling Nationwide

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 24th, 2026.

In Abuja, Nigeria, The Federal Government has intensified efforts to advance Nigeria’s digital economy by placing teachers at the centre of its strategy, emphasizing the need to equip educators with modern digital skills to meet evolving classroom demands.

This position was reiterated by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, during a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Abuja. The event, organised by the Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN) Initiative, examined the realities of Nigeria’s digital landscape and its intersection with the education sector.

Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Inuwa highlighted the shifting role of teachers in a rapidly digitising world. According to him, educators are no longer limited to traditional teaching but are now expected to guide students in navigating digital spaces responsibly.

“Teachers today must help learners distinguish credible information, avoid harmful content, and build responsible online habits,” he noted.

His remarks align with observations in reports by The Guardian Nigeria and The Punch, which have consistently underscored the growing importance of digital skills in Nigeria’s education system and workforce development.

Inuwa further stressed the importance of nurturing critical thinking among students while ensuring they acquire practical technological competencies needed for the future. He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme, as well as partnerships aimed at strengthening teachers’ capabilities across the country.

Nigeria, he disclosed, is targeting 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027, a key milestone in the country’s broader ambition to build a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael, emphasized the urgency of aligning teaching methods with the realities of the digital age. He noted that improving teachers’ competence must go hand-in-hand with providing adequate digital infrastructure in schools.

“We must ensure that educators are not only trained but also supported with the right tools to effectively deliver in a technology-driven environment,” he said, adding that outcomes from the dialogue would contribute to shaping future education and technology policies.

The forum drew participation from representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, and private sector stakeholders, reflecting a growing consensus also echoed in The Nation Newspaper and Daily Times, that collaboration is essential to preparing Nigeria’s education system for the demands of the digital era.