In a strategic push to elevate Nigeria’s digital literacy rate to 70% by 2027, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with GetBundi, an education technology platform, to train selected National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and 5,000 youths from the creative sector. The initiative, known as DL4ALL, also targets individuals in the informal sector across 12 states during a pilot phase set to conclude in December 2024, with plans for nationwide expansion thereafter.
Participants in the program will undergo a two-week foundational digital literacy training, followed by a 10-week online course in specialized areas such as Graphics Design, Video Editing, or Digital Marketing. This training aims to equip participants with essential skills for professional growth, enhance their employability, and prepare them to serve as Digital Literacy Champions—ambassadors who will disseminate knowledge within their communities.
The DL4ALL initiative focuses on providing foundational skills in six key areas: Devices and Software Operation, Information and Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Safety, and Problem Solving. These competencies are essential for navigating today’s technology-driven world and accessing opportunities in education, employment, and financial services while ensuring online safety and combating misinformation.
GetBundi, as a strategic partner, has developed a digital literacy framework tailored to Africa’s needs. The collaboration between NITDA and GetBundi is formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). As part of its role, GetBundi will create instructional videos and infographics in the six competency areas in multiple languages, including English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, by December 2024. During the pilot phase, which runs from July to December 2024, content will be available exclusively in English and accessible via the NITDA DL4ALL and GetBundi portals.
Speaking at a creative industry engagement in Lagos, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, highlighted the federal government’s commitment to empowering the creative industry with digital skills. He emphasized that digital literacy forms the bedrock of creativity and innovation, enabling individuals to adapt to and shape the future. “By equipping creatives with digital skills, we unlock new opportunities for expression, collaboration, and business growth,” Abdullahi stated.
Osita Oparaugo, Founder of GetBundi, underscored the importance of digital literacy as a cornerstone of digital transformation. “Without digital literacy, the potential of digital transformation remains unrealized, leaving many at a disadvantage,” he noted. Oparaugo also expressed gratitude to NITDA and other partners for their support in shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Renowned filmmaker Teco Benson commended the initiative, emphasizing its potential to rebuild trust between the government and the creative industry. “This program will equip industry professionals and newcomers with the skills needed to thrive in a digital world,” he said, thanking GetBundi and NITDA for spearheading the effort.
The DL4ALL initiative represents a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach aimed at fostering a digitally skilled workforce and positioning Nigeria for success in the evolving global economy.
