In a significant move to implement its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar of “Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents,” the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance digital literacy across the nation.

L-R: Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, received a complimentary plaque from the DG, NYSC, Brig Gen, Y.D. Ahmed during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Headquarters.

The strategic partnership which was formalised at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the economy and deliver sustained inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of tech talent.

The initiative will focus on providing practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. It aims to reach 30 millions of Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, with the goal of equipping them with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

Speaking on the importance of digital literacy, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasised leveraging on technology to enhance productivity and digital skills.

He said, “We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates and build digital skills capacity among Corp Members. Today we are here on the bigger mission.”

Inuwa cited global research which predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, which could result in a loss of 8.5 trillion US dollars in annual value if unaddressed.

According to him, this initiative will not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027.

“The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he added.

Inuwa further detailed the implementation plan, which includes training Corp Members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

“Our target is how can we leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy. The initiative will involve onboarding Corp Members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

“We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges, harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.

On his part, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, commended the collaboration, while emphasising unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.

He said, “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and we are working towards the same goal. I also believe that if there is anything we can give, it is our commitment. Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important”

The Minister acknowledged the dedication of all involved and expressed gratitude towards the NYSC’s leadership, commitment and availability to the cause.

The Director General of NYSC, Brig Gen YD Ahmed, in his response, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully engage.

He said, “This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no any iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” he assured.

MTN Nigeria, Leading ICT company has announced the 17th edition of its flagship employee volunteer initiative, Y’ello Care, where MTNers have the unique opportunity to contribute their resources – time, money and more – towards worthy causes.

L-R Babalola Oyeleye, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, MTN Nigeria; Oby Ugboma, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, MTN Nigeria; Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer, MTN Nigeria; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Broadband Officer, MTN Nigeria and Mohammed Rufai, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria, during the ‘30 Days of Y’ello Care’ opening ceremony, held at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Themed “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow”, this year’s edition, which will be for 30 days in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of MTN Group, aims to address educational disparities in underserved rural and remote communities.

“Y’ello Care is about the MTN ecosystem giving back and contributing their time, money, and resources to make a positive impact. This year, we’re focusing on education in remote areas, supporting three projects that will provide access to quality education for young Nigerians,” said Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria.

During the opening ceremony, which held at the headquarters, MTN revealed that in 30 days, MTN staff will come together using their resources to rebuild classroom for 996 students at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe, Lagos. “Our first key project is a school. We’ve visited the school; we’ll rebuild a classroom ourselves as MTN staff and we will support two other projects. Our target is towards providing education for the youth of this country,” Okigbo added. This effort seeks to bridge the educational divide and empower young people to reach their full potential.

In addition, MTNers will be supporting the KNOSK Charity Education Initiative (Study Better Packs) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)’s Safe School Initiative spearheaded by the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela famously said. MTN Nigeria firmly believes in this transformative power and is committed to providing access to quality education for all, regardless of location or circumstance.

“The company recognizes that education is not just about textbooks and classrooms; it’s about unlocking potential, nurturing dreams, and empowering individuals to shape their own futures.

This commitment is particularly crucial in Africa, where educational disparities continue to hinder progress. According to UNESCO, over one-fifth of children aged 6 to 11 in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school, representing the highest rate of educational exclusion globally.

This crisis is further compounded by challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to learning materials, and a shortage of qualified teachers. In Nigeria, the situation mirrors these broader trends, with a significant portion of children in rural and remote areas facing similar obstacles to quality education.

The 30-day project, which kicked off on June 1, will unite thousands of MTN employees in a shared mission to make a lasting impact on educational access and quality.

MTN Nigeria remains committed to creating value through initiatives that seek to provide sustainable growth and job creation in the communities they serve.