By James Ishaku
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, represented by Director of the DG’s Office, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, who presented an overview of the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme at the launching of the Digital Literacy and Skills framework for Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Government has officially launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative), a flagship programme, aimed at equipping citizens with essential 21st-century skills and positioning the state as a hub for digital innovatio, through the state’s Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the event described digital literacy as a fundamental right for all citizens, positioning the initiative as part of a broader vision to prepare youth and civil servants to compete globally, create productive jobs, and address poverty through technology.
“With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere, and their homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally. Beyond digital literacy, we are committed to producing an army of experts in advanced digital skills who will drive innovation and economic diversification.” “Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to create productive jobs, “jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.” Over the last six years, the state has invested heavily in infrastructure to open up the economy and connect the vast potential of its youth to global markets.
Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director of the DG’s Office, commended Bauchi State for “taking a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution.”
The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six core competencies: device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, communication and collaboration, safety, and problem-solving.
The DL4ALL Initiative is anchored on three strategic programs, firstly, the informal sector program which equips artisans, traders, and other informal workers with practical digital skills. In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, NITDA has recruited and trained 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions who have already reached over 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million beneficiaries by 2027.
The workforce readiness program provides the public servants, graduates, and job seekers with digital productivity and employability skills. NITDA plans to train five million workers nationwide, collaborating with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service. The educational sector program which integrates digital literacy into school curricula. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, alongside plans to train 3,600 teachers nationwide.
Inuwa further noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. “With Bauchi’s abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,” noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. “With Bauchi’s abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,” he said.
The Director General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, in his remarks, stated that the event was “not just about launching a programme, but setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State.” He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to becoming a leading high-security digital hub in Northern Nigeria and across the country, creating jobs and generating revenue through technology-driven growth.
Bauchi State has taken a historic step towards building a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy aimed at bridging the digital skills gap in the state, thus paving way for the creation of jobs and revenue flow for the state, he added.
The event signifies a milestone in Bauchi State’s journey towards a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy. And attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and members of the State House of Assembly,
