‎ABUJA – In a major push toward Nigeria’s digital transformation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has rewarded outstanding corps members with ₦3.5 million in cash and eight high-end laptops for their roles as “Digital Literacy Champions.”
‎​The awards were presented by NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during a strategic visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Headquarters on Thursday. The gesture aims to incentivize the “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which leverages the nationwide reach of the NYSC to bridge the country’s digital divide.
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‎​The collaboration is a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s ambitious target to ensure 70% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2025.
‎​Under this framework, NITDA plans to recruit and train 80 corps members in every state, including the FCT. These champions will be deployed to conduct daily digital literacy sessions in high-traffic public areas, including:
‎​Markets and Motor Parks
‎​Religious Centers
‎​Senior Citizens’ Hubs
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‎​”Digital literacy is the backbone of national development and economic growth,” stated Malam Kashifu. “Through this partnership, we are not just educating the public; we are equipping corps members with employability and entrepreneurial skills that will serve them long after their service year.”
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‎​The ceremony saw eight distinguished corps members receive laptops and a share of the ₦3.5 million prize pool. Additionally, recognition awards were presented to key partners, including the Mind the Gap Foundation and private sector leaders Dr. Stephen Ambore (Tripod Professional Services) and Mrs. Ajayi Funmilayo (NYSC CDS Unit), for their contributions to the framework’s implementation.
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‎​NYSC: A Strategic Engine for Growth
‎​Receiving the NITDA delegation, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, hailed the partnership as a vital tool for reducing youth unemployment.
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‎​Scale: Over 650,000 graduates pass through the scheme annually.
‎​Impact: Training transforms corps members into “ambassadors” of the digital economy.
‎​Outcome: Increased productivity and a more self-reliant graduate workforce.
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‎​NITDA confirmed that all participating corps members will gain exclusive access to the agency’s online learning platforms to further deepen their technical competencies in data literacy, content creation, and digital innovation.
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