The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has intensified efforts to promote youth inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy, engaging students at the Renewed Hope Conversation hosted by The Nest at the University of Abuja.
The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, used the platform to highlight the agency’s role in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a strong emphasis on human capital development and digital transformation as drivers of national progress.
Addressing the students, Abdullahi described Nigeria’s youthful population as its most valuable asset, urging them to prioritise digital and entrepreneurial skills in a rapidly evolving global economy. He noted that emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, are reshaping traditional career paths, making adaptability and continuous learning essential across all disciplines.
As part of its social impact initiatives, NITDA is implementing the National Digital Literacy Framework, which targets 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030. The programme is being supported through curriculum integration in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria, ensuring that digital skills become a core component of formal education.
The agency is also leveraging partnerships with global technology firms such as Cisco to provide students with access to internationally recognised certifications, improving both their academic development and employability prospects.
In addition, Abdullahi highlighted youth-focused programmes including 3MTT, IdeaHatch, and IgniteHer, alongside NITDA’s collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), all designed to equip young Nigerians with practical technology skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The event concluded with an interactive session, where students engaged directly with the NITDA team, reflecting on their career aspirations. Some participants were rewarded with tech tools, underscoring the agency’s grassroots approach to empowering young people and building an inclusive digital future for Nigeria.