The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has applauded the DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0, an initiative spearheaded by Tech4Dev, as a pivotal step towards achieving the nation’s digital literacy goals.
In a keynote address delivered at the launch of the skilling competition initiative, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of digital literacy in driving Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic empowerment. He commended the DigitalForAll Initiative as a visionary program poised to shape the future of the nation.
“Our collective mission is clear as we launch this program as a complementary effort toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027,” stated Inuwa.
Highlighting the strategic focus areas outlined in the redrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), Inuwa underscored the significance of fostering digital literacy, cultivating talents, and strengthening policy implementation in achieving NITDA’s objectives.
“The DigitalForAll Initiative aligns seamlessly with our objectives of promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, nurturing innovation, and forging strategic partnerships,” he added.
Inuwa revealed that the Digital Nigeria platform would host the final competition of the program, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology for skills development and capacity building.
Founder of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola, echoed the importance of digital literacy and skills development, emphasizing the initiative’s aim to provide every Nigerian with the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
“We believe that every Nigerian deserves the right to digital literacy and skills for the future of work,” Ogunsola stated.
Ogunsola went on to inform the audience that there will be essentially, the state level challenges, regional; at the geopolitical level, and the grand finale which will be held on NITDA’s Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition Day.
“The challenge has two phases, the training and competition phases. After the first, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the second phase”, the Founder espoused.
The initiative by Tech4Dev and in partnership with NITDA and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is arguably Africa’s largest digital skilling competition, designed to reward self-development and encourage the acquisition and use of digital skills through competitive incentives.
