Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for greater digital media literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to promote transparency and accountability in the nation’s digital space.
Speaking in Abuja at a symposium marking the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) under the auspices of UNESCO, the Minister said digital platforms have become powerful tools shaping public discourse and access to information.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, Henshaw Ogubike, Idris stressed that building a resilient digital ecosystem is key to Nigeria’s social and economic growth. He said equipping citizens with critical thinking and digital skills would unlock opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with local and international stakeholders to enhance media literacy, promote reliable information, and strengthen public trust in the digital era.
In his remarks, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, said the university is advancing efforts to secure UNESCO Category 2 status for the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the first of its kind in Africa. He noted that while AI offers vast potential, it also raises ethical and social challenges that require responsible management.
UNESCO’s representative, Yachat Nuhu, and IMILI Acting Director, Lateef Adelakun, also underscored the need to use emerging technologies ethically to curb misinformation and promote digital inclusion.
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