Joy Agwunobi
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to incorporate digital skills and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity, into university curricula.
This initiative aims to equip Nigerian graduates with the necessary competencies to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global workforce.
The development was disclosed during a meeting in Abuja between Kashifu Inuwa, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The discussion focused on expediting the implementation of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across Nigerian universities, a programme initially agreed upon in December 2024.
Speaking at the meeting, Inuwa highlighted the need for urgent educational reforms to align university curricula with technological advancements. He noted that digital skills are no longer optional but essential for success in today’s job market.
“With the rapid evolution of technology, digital proficiency has become a fundamental requirement for career success. This collaboration is a strategic effort to prepare Nigerian students for the demands of the modern economy by fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic growth,” he said.
The proposed curriculum upgrade will introduce specialised training in artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. The objective is to ensure that graduates are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready.
The initiative is also expected to have a far-reaching impact, contributing to job creation and youth empowerment, strengthen Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship and startup development among graduates enhance the country’s global competitiveness in the digital economy, reduce the digital skills gap in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and financial services
“We need to review and integrate digital literacy and skills into our university curricula so that our graduates are not just degree holders but professionals equipped with relevant expertise. Education reform is critical, and implementing this curriculum across all universities will play a significant role in driving national development,” Inuwa added.
This initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, reinforcing the importance of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. It also supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader agenda of economic reform, industrialisation, and technological advancement through digitisation, creative industries, and innovation.
Inuwa further emphasised that equipping young Nigerians with digital knowledge would accelerate economic transformation by fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial workforce capable of addressing the challenges of the modern economy.
In response,Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, executive secretary of the NUC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring the successful rollout of the Digital Literacy and Skills Curriculum across the country’s higher education institutions.
He commended NITDA for its leadership in championing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and assured that the commission would implement the necessary policy frameworks to support the initiative.
“Digital education is central to Nigeria’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. The NUC is dedicated to collaborating with NITDA to ensure that every Nigerian university integrates digital literacy into its curriculum. This effort will not only empower students to excel locally but also enhance their competitiveness on the global stage,” Ribadu stated.
