Nigerian Federal Government Launches Digital Skills and Advanced Technologies Curriculum Initiative

The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a strategic initiative to incorporate digital skills and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity

The Nigerian Federal Government is merging digital skills and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity, into university curricula. This initiative is undertaken by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The plan was discussed during a meeting in Abuja between Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, and Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of NUC. They focused on accelerating the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across Nigerian universities, an initiative that was agreed upon in December 2024.

Discussing the importance of aligning the educational framework with technological progress, especially in today's rapidly changing world, Inuwa stated, “We must align our education system with technological advancements. Today, digital literacy is no longer an optional skill; it is a core competency that is essential for employability.”

He highlighted the collaboration between NITDA and NUC as a strategic approach to preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern economy, which in turn will foster job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

The new curriculum will introduce specialized training in various cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. The goal is to ensure that graduates are not only academically proficient but also equipped with industry-relevant expertise.

In addition to upgrading academic programs, this initiative is expected to have broader impacts on national development. The program will contribute to job creation and youth empowerment, strengthen Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, and encourage entrepreneurship and startup development among graduates. It will also enhance the country’s competitiveness in the digital economy and address the digital skills gap in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services.

Further discussing the pressing need for reviewing and integrating digital literacy into university curricula, Inuwa stated, “It is crucial that we transform graduates into skilled professionals, not just degree holders. We must focus on large-scale positive change to drive national development, and the implementation of this curriculum across all universities would be a significant step in achieving this goal.”

This initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which underscores the critical role of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. It also supports the broader agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes economic reform, industrialization, and technological advancement through digitization, creative industries, and innovation.

According to Inuwa, equipping young Nigerians with digital knowledge will accelerate economic transformation by fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial workforce. He added that ensuring students are proficient in digital technologies will not only strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global economy but also enhance job opportunities and economic stability within the country.

Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, expressed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum in higher education institutions across Nigeria. He acknowledged NITDA’s leadership in promoting the country’s digital transformation agenda and elaborated on the necessary policy frameworks that the NUC will be putting in place to support this initiative.

Ribadu further noted that digital education is a key component of Nigeria’s vision for becoming a knowledge-driven economy. He highlighted the NUC’s dedication to working closely with NITDA to integrate digital literacy into university curricula throughout the nation. This integration, he added, will not only enable students to excel within Nigeria but also enhance their competitiveness in the global job market.