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NITDA DG Seeks Integration of Digital Literacy in Nigeria’s Education System
Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasised the urgent need for integrating digital literacy and skills into Nigeria’s formal education system to better prepare citizens for the challenges they will face after graduation.
Inuwa made this statement during a Stakeholders Dialogue and High-Level Policy Committee meeting focused on the Review of Basic Education Curriculum organised by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in Abuja.
The DG stated that one of NITDA’s primary mandates, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is to ensure that Nigeria achieves 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a midterm goal of reaching 70% by 2027.
He noted that this ambitious target cannot be achieved by NITDA alone, and therefore, the agency is seeking partnerships to develop digital literacy and skills curricula within the formal education system.
“We cannot do it alone. But we believe, with you, we can do it. That is why we are exploring this partnership, to work with you, to build digital literacy and skills curricula in our formal education.” He added.
He noted that what was once considered science fiction is now becoming reality, and the educational system must adapt to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Inuwa further explained that President Tinubu has tasked the ministry with accelerating the diversification of Nigeria’s economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.
While stressing that building human capital is essential for achieving this goal, as knowledge is the foundation of a robust and sustainable economy, Inuwa added that “at NITDA, our mandate is to develop IT, which is the cornerstone of meaningful development. A nation’s greatest resource is not its minerals, but its human capital, and we must be intentional about harnessing this resource.”
Inuwa also added that many professions will eventually be at risk of being overtaken by automation, which makes digital skills a necessity for future employability.
Emphasising the importance of equipping children with digital skills to maintain their cognitive abilities and foster responsible use of technology, noted that “technology is a double-edged sword, while children are often distracted by social media, the right digital skills can help them use technology for self-development.”
Buttressing DG NITDA’s statement, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sununu Yusuf, noted that the world is rapidly advancing into the digital era. He stressed that technology is reshaping various sectors, including agriculture and health, and that it is crucial for Nigeria to adapt.
“Technology is on the rise, and it’s either you join or get left behind. Our children’s education must provide a foundation that enables critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-protection,” the Minister said.
Dr. Yusuf also highlighted the current administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s educational challenges, including curriculum reform.
He pointed out that Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by the global learning crisis, with one in five out-of-school children worldwide being Nigerian. Moreover, one in four Nigerian children suffers from poor literacy and critical thinking skills, which are significant barriers to national development.
The Minister revealed that the administration’s Marshall Plan for Education for the Community of Hope, which outlines the roadmap for the education sector from 2024 to 2027, is a comprehensive and action-oriented plan aimed at overhauling the education system.
This plan, he noted, prioritises curriculum review and renewal at all levels to ensure that education in Nigeria is functional and contributes to the nation’s overall development goals.
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Egueke, Former Bank Manager Jailed for $46,900 Fraud
Fidelis Egueke, former bank manager, , has been convicted and sentenced to six months in prison by an Asaba, Delta State Chief Magistrate’s Court for defrauding a victim of $46,900.
Chief Magistrate Callistus Isioma Moeteke found Egueke guilty of a single charge brought against him by the police under case number CMA/295c/2024.
Raphael Eze, prosecutor, of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, said Egueke, a former Asaba branch manager of a tier-one bank, fraudulently obtained $46,900 by using two Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs) as collateral.
One of the land titles, however, was not his, and the other was fake.
After receiving the money, Egueke used it for personal expenses and failed to repay the victim as promised.
The prosecution argued that Egueke’s actions violated Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21, Vol.1 Laws of Delta State, Nigeria, 2006.
Despite denying the offence, Egueke failed to present evidence of repayment during the trial.
Chief Magistrate Moeteke determined that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Egueke was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment.
However, the court also gave him the option to pay a fine of N350,000 in lieu of serving the prison term.
The court ordered Egueke to pay N30 million in restitution to the victim within six months of his conviction.
The charge against Egueke stated that, in 2016, he fraudulently obtained a credit facility worth $46,900 (approximately N60 million) from Chief Jude Ndudi by presenting false documents, including land titles that did not belong to him, in violation of Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law.
Egueke is also facing trial before a Lagos Federal High Court on charges related to a separate fraud case involving N179.498 million.
He is being prosecuted by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos.
News
PalmPay, Jumia Reward Users in Festive Campaign
This holiday season just got a whole lot more exciting! PalmPay, one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms, operates Nigeria’s most used mobile wallet and has teamed up with Jumia, the continent’s e-commerce giant, to launch a festive campaign that’s all about convenience, rewards, and enhancing your shopping experience.
Running from December 11th to 28th, 2024, this holiday campaign is set to reward shoppers who use the new “Pay with PalmPay” feature on Jumia with cash prizes. Every purchase made using the direct payment method automatically enters participants into a draw, giving them a chance to win exciting cash rewards while enjoying the seamless shopping and payment process.
A Strategic Partnership To Enhance Digital Payments
The integration of the “Pay with PalmPay Wallet” feature on Jumia marks a major milestone in the partnership between the two industry leaders.
Speaking at the media announcement, Mr. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay, highlighted the broader mission driving this collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with Jumia to redefine convenience for shoppers. At PalmPay, our mission has always been to drive economic empowerment through accessible and user-friendly financial services. This partnership is a natural step forward in achieving that goal.”
Beyond the holidays, this partnership with Jumia m,k is a signal of bigger things to come. Mr. Chika added: “This is more than just about payments—it’s about creating value for our customers. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will unlock in 2025, including campaigns and innovative initiatives that will further transform the online shopping landscape.”
Sunil Natraj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, highlighted the shared vision between both companies, stating: “At Jumia, we are dedicated to creating value for our customers by ensuring a convenient, reliable, and secure shopping experience. This partnership with PalmPay strengthens our commitment to enhancing the digital payments within our platform. By integrating PalmPay, we are providing more options for customers to access affordable and quality goods with the convenience of cashless transactions.”
How to Join the Holiday Fun
Participating in the campaign is simple. When shopping on Jumia, select the “Pay with PalmPay” option at checkout, and your entry into the draw is automatic. It’s that easy!
Bonus Entry: Share a screenshot of your purchase on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #PalmPayXJumia to increase your chances of winning. Additional winners will be selected from participants engaging with the campaign on Twitter.
Whether you are shopping for gifts, or gadgets this festive season, PalmPay and Jumia are making sure your experience is not only seamless but also rewarding.
To learn more about the campaign, stay tuned to the official X accounts (formerly Twitter) of @palmpay_ng and @JumiaNigeria. for updates, announcements, and more chances to win.
News
Corruption: ICPC Threatens Sanctions as 330 MDAs Fail Financial, Governance Tests
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), has revealed that none of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in the country complied fully with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures in the passing year.
This was following the findings from the Commission’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) for the MDAs.
The Commission warned that henceforth, non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives.
According to the EICS scorecard released on Thursday in Abuja by Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, no MDA out of 330 MDAs that were assessed through physical deployment by ICPC teams achieved full compliance.
The EICS serves as a preventive tool used to assess and enhance the compliance of MDAs with ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures.
Findings from the report indicated that no MDA achieved full compliance, while 29.55 per cent of MDAs captured attained substantial compliance, and 51.62 per cent had partial compliance.
The report also observed that 15.91 per cent showed poor compliance, while 292 per cent were non-compliant.
According to the report, common gaps included a lack of whistle-blower policies, strategic plans, and effective stock verification units, adding that many MDAs failed to conduct any forms of system studies or render financial and audit reports.
Commenting on the report, Bakare noted: “This year, 2024, the tool covered 323 responsive MDAs, with 15 MDAs non-responsive and categorised as high corruption risk.
“It is imperative to inform you that this initiative has yielded some positive and value-driven impacts, and these are, but not limited to, increased awareness and compliance with anti-corruption measures, enhanced competition among MDAs to meet criteria, and improved procurement processes and data reliability.
“The Commission recognises the MDAs with substantial compliance and will continue deploying these tools to promote integrity and accountability.
“Non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives. We are certain that these efforts will continue to underline ICPC’s dedication to enhancing good governance and preventing corruption.”
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