The Federal Government plans to embed digital skills and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity, into university curricular to better prepare Nigerian graduates for the evolving global workforce.
This was disclosed during a meeting between the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, in Abuja.
The recent discussion centred on accelerating the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across Nigerian universities, an initiative first agreed upon in December 2024.
Inuwa emphasised the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s education system by integrating digital skills that align with current technological advancements.
“With the rapid advancement of technology, digital skills have become a necessity for success in today’s workforce,” he said. “This collaboration is a strategic move to equip Nigerian students with the competencies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world, enhancing job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic resilience.”
The curricular update will include specialised training in AI, blockchain, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, ensuring that graduates are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready.
“We must review the school curriculum to embed digital literacy and skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just degree holders but are equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world. Education reform is critical, and implementing this curriculum across all universities will be a game-changer in our nation’s development,” Inuwa stated.
This partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, underscoring the critical role of digital literacy in preparing the nation’s youth for the future.
He further stressed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration priorities of reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth and accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
Inuwa added that empowering young Nigerians with digital knowledge would drive economic transformation by creating a workforce that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and ready to meet the challenges of the modern economy.
