The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation through youth engagement and human capital development.
Speaking at the Renewed Hope Conversation hosted by The Nest at the University of Abuja, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s strategic role in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that empowering young Nigerians with relevant digital skills remains central to driving national growth in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest asset lies in its youthful population rather than its natural resources. He urged students to embrace digital and entrepreneurial skills, particularly as emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence continue to reshape traditional career paths and demand adaptability across disciplines.
The NITDA boss outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening digital capacity, including the National Digital Literacy Framework, which targeted 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030. He explained that the framework is being implemented through curriculum integration in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.
He also pointed to partnerships with global technology firms such as Cisco, which provide students with access to internationally recognised certifications, enhancing both academic advancement and employability.
Highlighting ongoing programmes, Inuwa referenced initiatives like 3MTT, IdeaHatch and IgniteHer, as well as NITDA’s collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to equip young Nigerians with practical technology skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The session featured an interactive dialogue with students, encouraged them to reflect on their career aspirations and role in Nigeria’s digital future. Outstanding participants were rewarded with tech tools, underscoring NITDA’s grassroots approach to fostering an inclusive and innovation-driven economy.
