The Bauchi State Government, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative), a flagship programme designed to equip citizens with essential 21st-century skills and position the state as a hub for digital innovation.
Declaring the initiative open, Governor Bala Mohammed described digital literacy as a fundamental right and part of his administration’s broader vision to empower youth, strengthen institutions, and create productive jobs.
“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world. With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere—even their homes,” the Governor said. “Beyond digital literacy, we are committed to producing an army of experts in advanced digital skills who will drive innovation and economic diversification.”
Representing NITDA’s Director General, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director of the DG’s Office, commended Bauchi State for taking “a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the global digital revolution.” He emphasised that the initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which emphasises six core competencies: device and software operation, information and data literacy, content creation, communication and collaboration, safety, and problem-solving.
The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative is anchored on three programmes:
- Informal sector training for artisans, traders, and non-formal workers, leveraging 7,101 trained Digital Literacy Champions who have already reached more than 267,000 Nigerians nationwide.
- Workforce readiness training to equip public servants, graduates, and job seekers with productivity and employability skills, in collaboration with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.
- Education sector integration, which will roll out the new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum in September 2025 and train 3,600 teachers nationwide.
NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa, in his message, stressed that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youth population, noting that Bauchi’s human capital and strategic location give it enormous potential to emerge as a digital innovation hub in northern Nigeria.
The Director General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, described the launch as “a historic step towards building a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.” He said the programme sets a bold agenda for Bauchi’s digital future, with the promise of job creation, skills development, and revenue growth.
The event attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and members of the State House of Assembly, marking a significant milestone in Bauchi’s journey toward digital transformation.
About The Author
