The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has rewarded outstanding corps members serving as Digital Literacy Champions with a total cash prize of ₦3.5 million and eight laptops, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s digital skills development.
The presentation was made by NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during a courtesy visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja. He was received by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the scheme’s management and participating corps members.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between NITDA and the NYSC in implementing Nigeria’s Digital Literacy Framework and accelerating the Federal Government’s target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2025.
Speaking at the event, Abdullahi described the engagement as a significant step toward deepening the partnership between both institutions. He noted that digital literacy is critical to national development, innovation and economic growth.
He explained that the Digital Literacy Framework was designed to equip citizens with essential competencies, including information and data literacy, digital content creation and innovation skills. According to him, the framework is being deployed through strategic partnerships, with the NYSC playing a central role in expanding its reach across the country.
Under the “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, corps members are trained and deployed as Digital Literacy Champions to educate citizens in various communities. Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA plans to recruit 80 corps members in each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, to deliver daily digital literacy sessions in public places such as markets, motor parks, religious centres and senior citizens’ hubs.
He said the programme is intended to promote digital inclusion while equipping corps members with practical skills that improve employability and entrepreneurial opportunities. Participants will also have access to NITDA’s online learning platforms to strengthen their digital competencies.
As part of the ceremony, eight laptops and the ₦3.5 million cash award were presented to eight corps members who excelled as Digital Literacy Champions. A symbolic cheque and the laptops were handed over to the NYSC leadership and the award recipients.
Additional recognition was given to the Mind the Gap Foundation, Dr Stephen Ambore, Chief Executive Officer of Tripod Professional Services Limited, and Mrs Ajayi Funmilayo of the Community Development Service and Special Projects Unit for their contributions to the initiative.
In his remarks, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Nafiu, praised NITDA for its commitment to expanding digital skills nationwide. He described the partnership between the two organisations as longstanding and reaffirmed the scheme’s readiness to support programmes that empower young Nigerians.
He noted that with more than 650,000 graduates participating in the NYSC annually, the collaboration provides a strategic platform for equipping youths with essential digital skills.
According to him, improved digital literacy among corps members would help reduce unemployment, boost productivity and enhance participation in the digital economy. He expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to produce digitally skilled, self-reliant and employable graduates across the country.