Bunady
Nigeria is set to host the world’s first UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving funding for its immediate operationalisation. The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a meeting with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, in Paris. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s state visit to France....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
The institute, to be located in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, marks a significant milestone as the only Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute globally.
Minister Idris expressed Nigeria’s gratitude for the hosting rights, noting that President Tinubu has prioritised the initiative by releasing the necessary funds to kickstart operations.
Dr. Tawfik Jelassi welcomed the development, emphasising the institute’s role in addressing critical global issues such as misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
He also highlighted UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, designed to encourage critical thinking, transparency, and freedom of expression in the digital space.
Tinubu Approves Funds for UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute
The discussions introduced UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Cities Initiative, which integrates media literacy into urban design, public communication systems, transportation, and cultural initiatives.
Minister Idris pledged Nigeria’s commitment to becoming one of the first Media and Information Literacy Cities under this global programme, reflecting the country’s dedication to advancing digital literacy.
The meeting also addressed the recently published guidelines developed through consultations with over 10,000 submissions from 134 countries. Minister Idris assured UNESCO of Nigeria’s commitment to implementing these guidelines in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, aiming to foster a safer and more responsible internet for all citizens.
The meeting at UNESCO Headquarters included key representatives, such as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani. Discussions centred on strategies to enhance Nigeria’s role in global digital literacy and the operational framework for the MIL Institute.
