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NITDA Bauchi
A cross section of dignitaries during the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework Launch in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State government, through its Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has officially launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative).

The flagship programme is designed to equip citizens with essential 21st-century skills and position the state as a hub for digital innovation.

Declaring the event open, Bauchi State governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed described digital literacy as a fundamental right for all citizens. He said the initiative forms part of a broader vision to prepare youth and civil servants to compete globally, create productive jobs and tackle poverty through technology.

“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the governor said. “With the right skills, people can create sustainable value from anywhere – even from their homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally. Beyond basic literacy, we are committed to producing an army of experts in advanced digital skills who will drive innovation and economic diversification.”

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to create productive jobs – “jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.” Over the last six years, the state has invested heavily in infrastructure to open the economy and connect the vast potential of its youth to global markets.

Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, the director of the DG’s Office, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, commended Bauchi State for “taking a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution.”

The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 as well as the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six core competencies: device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, communication and collaboration, safety and problem-solving.

The initiative is anchored on three strategic programmes. The first is the informal sector programme, which equips artisans, traders, and other informal workers with practical digital skills. In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, NITDA has recruited and trained 7,101 digital literacy champions who have already reached over 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million beneficiaries by 2027. 

The second is the workforce readiness programme, which provides public servants, graduates, and job seekers with digital productivity and employability skills. NITDA plans to train five million workers nationwide in collaboration with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.

The third is the educational sector programme, which integrates digital literacy into school curricula. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will be rolled out in September 2025, alongside plans to train 3,600 teachers nationwide.

Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. “With Bauchi’s abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,” he said.

The director-general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji described the launch as “not just about starting a programme, but about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State.” He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to becoming a leading high-security digital hub in northern Nigeria and across the country, creating jobs and generating revenue through technology-driven growth.

He said Bauchi has taken a historic step towards building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy. The goal, he explained, is to bridge the digital skills gap in the state while paving the way for new jobs and revenue streams.

The event attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners and members of the State House of Assembly, marking a significant milestone in Bauchi State’s journey towards a secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy.


Nkechi Isaac with agency report

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