The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasised the important role teachers will play in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Inuwa made the remark during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the Development of Educational Action Network Initiative (DEAN) in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Current Digital Landscape: Our Reality and Its Practical Connection to Education,” the NITDA chief, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said the rapid growth of the digital economy is reshaping the education sector.
According to him, teachers must move beyond their traditional role of delivering classroom instruction to become mentors who guide students in navigating the digital world responsibly.
“Teachers are no longer just instructors; they are now guides who help students identify credible information, avoid harmful online content, and develop responsible digital behaviour,” he said.
Inuwa noted that empowering teachers with digital skills is essential to preparing Nigerian students for the future workforce and ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital economy.
He also reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to expanding digital literacy across the country through initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme and partnerships with educational institutions.
Nigeria is currently pursuing a national digital literacy target of 70 percent by 2027 as part of efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy.
Earlier, Executive Director of DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael, said the workshop was designed to strengthen teachers’ competence and align the education system with the realities of the digital economy.
The event was attended by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), and other stakeholders from the private sector.
