The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is teaming up with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance digital literacy among 30 million Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector and rural areas. This partnership aims to achieve a 70% digital literacy rate by 2027.
Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning, announced the collaboration during the 2024 NYSC Director General Community Development Service (CDS) launch and awards event in Abuja. He explained that NITDA’s goal is to empower Nigerians with digital tools and skills to help them participate effectively in the digital economy. By training NYSC corps members, who will then teach others in their communities, the initiative seeks to reach all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
Onumo emphasized that the partnership will focus on providing digital training to those who may not have had access to such resources before. “We aim to equip people in rural areas with the knowledge to use digital tools for basic financial transactions and other economic activities,” he said. The NYSC corps members will be trained as “digital champions” to spread this knowledge further.
In his speech, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, highlighted the importance of community service and the role of the awards in encouraging this spirit. He noted that the CDS activities help forge stronger connections in communities and inspire future corps members to contribute meaningfully. “The essence of humanity is reflected in our service to others,” he said. The awards also celebrate contributions in areas like health, education, and agriculture.
Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), praised the NYSC for its role in extending its reach across the states. Since 2017, the NYSC has partnered with the OSSAP-SDGs to provide advocacy and awareness.
The awards ceremony also recognized top performers in community development. Borno State won first place in the NEMA CDS group, with Adamawa and Taraba States securing second and third positions respectively. Individual awards went to Wisdom Nduchika, Abdullahi Nuhu, and Mathew Ohiare, while Mr. Buhari Aliyu Karaye, Mr. Mohammed Adams Maunde, and Ituma Emmanuel Omenka were recognized as the best CDS schedule officers.
This partnership between NITDA and NYSC represents a significant effort to boost digital literacy across Nigeria, ensuring more people are prepared to thrive in the digital age.
