Nigeria has recorded a major international milestone in its digital transformation journey as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) won the prestigious 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize for its flagship Digital Awareness Programme (DAP).
The award was presented under Category C3: Access to Information and Knowledge, one of the most competitive segments of the global WSIS Prizes platform. The DAP emerged winner from among hundreds of projects submitted worldwide, after securing the highest number of global votes in its category.
The WSIS Prizes, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with other United Nations agencies, celebrate impactful initiatives that leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to advance sustainable development and digital inclusion across the world.
A National Digital Transformation Initiative
The Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) is a long-standing intervention of the NCC aimed at bridging Nigeria’s digital divide by providing ICT infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital learning tools to public secondary schools across the country.
Since its inception in 2006, the programme has reached over 300 secondary schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, enabling students and teachers to access digital resources for teaching, learning, research, and innovation.
The initiative has played a critical role in equipping young Nigerians with essential digital skills, preparing them for participation in the global knowledge economy.
Award Ceremony in Geneva
The award was formally received by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the WSIS Prizes Winners 2025 Ceremony held on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Maida expressed appreciation to the ITU and WSIS for recognising Nigeria’s efforts in advancing inclusive digital access.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward. It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development, and that Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage,” he said.
He noted that the award would further inspire the Commission to deepen its commitment to digital empowerment and innovation across all segments of society.
Other Nigerian Projects Recognised
In addition to the DAP’s victory, four other Nigerian initiatives were honoured at the WSIS Prizes Ceremony after being nominated for the Champions Category of Projects, reflecting Nigeria’s growing footprint in global ICT innovation.
The projects include:
- Women Techsters – Capacity Building
- Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) – Capacity Building
- Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative – Enabling Environment
- Digital Learning Initiative – e-Learning
Although they did not secure the top votes in their respective categories, the projects were formally acknowledged for their significant impact, innovation, and contribution to national development.
Global Recognition for Nigeria’s Digital Vision
Nigeria’s success at WSIS 2025 underscores the country’s strategic push toward digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and knowledge-based development. The recognition places Nigeria among leading nations using ICT as a tool for social and economic transformation.
With the global spotlight now on the country’s digital initiatives, stakeholders say the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a rising leader in Africa’s digital economy and strengthens confidence in its long-term digital development agenda.