Abuja To Host UNESCO's First-Ever International Media and Information Literacy Institute

Abuja, Nigeria has been selected to host the first ever Category-Two International Media and Information Literacy Institute of the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation, UNESCO. RABIU IBRAHIM – the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation – confirmed the development in a statement. IBRAHIM noted that the decision was reached at UNESCO’s Forty-Third General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He said with the UNESCO approval, Nigeria has been positioned as a global leader in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, and empowered it to spearhead international research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building in the digital field. The statement quoted Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, MOHAMMED IDRIS, saying that “the decision is a strong vote of confidence in our nation.” He affirmed the commitment of the Nigerian government to the responsibility, noting that the institute will serve as an international observatory and hub, enabling individuals and communities worldwide to navigate the digital age with discernment and confidence. “The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech is seen as the engine of national progress,” Minister Idris said, adding, “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratisation of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.” “I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which is a reflection of his commitment to the Nigerian project aptly encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is equally a big win for all Nigerians and the continent of Africa,” said Idris.