Tech is the future and this is why many businesses and initiatives now are driven digitally. 

TechDev, a tech-focused non-governmental organization has announced its intentions to support what NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency) is doing in the digital space with a N150 million reward for individuals willing to participate in the "Digitalforall" challenge. 

Both organizations intend to see that people who have taken time to learn, develop, and acquaint themselves with digital skills are encouraged and pushed to do even better. When they participate in the competition, the funds provided will serve as incentives for all their hard work since way back. 

The "Digital For All" Competition 

Tech4Dev founder, Joel Ogunsola announced that the "Digital for All'' competition will take place at regional and state levels, ending in the grand finale during NITDA's Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition Day. He also mentioned that the initiative is motivated by the belief that all Nigerians should have access to digital literacy and skills essential for the future of work.

"The challenge has two phases, the training and competition phases. After the first, beneficiaries will be required to take an assessment to qualify for the second phase,“ he explained. 

Why the "Digital For All" Competition? 

The initiators of the program have revealed that "Digital for All" is more than a competition. It is a competition that works perfectly with the idea of the Agency's plan to achieve 70% digital literacy, according to Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA. He said it has always been on the agenda to transform the economy by using many technologies. 

"Our collective mission is clear as we launch this program as a complimentary effort toward achieving a 70% digital literacy rate for Nigerians by 2027. DigitalForAll Initiative is a visionary program poised to shape the future of our nation and we also intend to use our Digital Nigeria platform for the final competition of the program," the director general shared. 

Read Also: Looking to Upskill for Free? Apply for the NITDA Coursera Program 

The Role of the NITDA in Digital Literacy 

NITDA had always been about digital literacy but this time,  it has re-strategized, having a new roadmap and a solid action plan. The components of this new road map include: 

• Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents

• Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem

• Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Framework

• Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services

• Strengthening Cybersecurity and Enhancing Digital Trust; Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

• Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

• Cultivating a Vibrant Organizational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.

All of these have been mentioned to be the values, mission, and Vision of the NITDA and it also covers the role of the Agency in making sure that a substantial number of Nigerians are digitally literate. 

"As we embark on this journey, let us remember that digital literacy is not just about skilling people; it is about empowering them to unleash their full potential”. “It is about providing growth opportunities, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world; that is what this program is poised to achieve,” Inuwa, the NITDA director general said. 

Furthermore, he mentioned that the success of the DigitalForAll Initiative relies on key objectives such as Inclusive Digital Literacy, Accessible Learning Platforms, Public-Private Partnerships, Measurable Impact, and Awards. He also said that collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and communities is important for their success.

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