NITDA, Afre.lib Academy Forge Partnership to Boost Digital Literacy and Innovation

By Iyojo Ameh

In a strategic move aimed at advancing digital literacy and fostering innovation in the country, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced a collaboration with Afre.

This partnership seeks to achieve a 70% digital literacy level by 2025 through innovative initiatives and extensive stakeholder engagements through the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).

Director General Kashifu Inuwa of NITDA reiterated the agency’s commitment during a recent meeting at their Corporate Headquarters in Abuja with representatives from Afre.

The visit is in line with Afre.lib Academy’s upcoming bootcamps scheduled for August, and the 2024 Tech and Career Expo themed “Tech for Earth” in September. Moreover, discussions also covered the Academy’s request for NITDA’s sponsorship support for their Tech Challenge Winners.

“The purpose of the visit was to seek NITDA’s partnership as co-host of Afre.lib Academy’s bootcamps and the Tech and Career Expo, and to engage the agency as a keynote speaker,” Mrs. Gomina stated.

In response, Director General Inuwa expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential impact on Nigeria’s technological landscape.

He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in advancing digital literacy and preparing the youth for careers in technology.

Inuwa assured the Academy of the Agency’s full support as both organisation share the same vison of fostering IT development and digital literacy.

Also speaking, the ED Afre.lib Mrs. Gomina, said that the Academy’s which is a made up of a team of experts’ passionate educators has seen the gap between young children who are digital natives and their teachers, who are still using old methods to prepare them for a future that is constantly evolving.

She said the Academy is working on building a platform where these children will be mentored and given a safe space to explore technology within the ethics of morality.

“We want to reduce that entitlement mentality and increase that mentality of citizenship, responsibility, and showing them that they can contribute to nation building using technology,” she said.

She mentioned that some of the activities of the Academy includes, bootcamps for children, summer tech challenges teacher training as she appreciated the Agency for its willingness to support and partner with the Academy. The Academy did a demo of some of the prototype developed by children who have undergone trainings with them.

The partnership between NITDA and Afre.lib Academy is expected to pave the way for innovative educational programs and opportunities, driving forward the nation’s digital transformation agenda.