Nigeria Secures UNESCO Approval to Host Global Media Literacy Institute
Nigeria has secured the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to host the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute.
This move, positioning the country as a global leader in combating misinformation and promoting digital literacy.
The approval, granted during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission (CI Session) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s information and communication sector.
Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, release this in a statement today.
This elevates the Nigeria’s role in shaping global research, policy dialogue, and capacity building on media and information literacy — a critical skill set in today’s digital age.
In his address to the UNESCO conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.”
He said the institute would serve as a global observatory and learning hub, helping individuals and communities navigate the complex digital environment 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,” Idris said. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratization of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.”
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The Minister noted that the approval was the result of a journey that began in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week and Feature Conference in Abuja, during which it pledged to establish a UNESCO-backed MIL Institute in Nigeria.
According to him, the new designation fulfills that promise and reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s global visibility under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which reflects his commitment to the Nigerian project. This is a big win not only for our country but also for the entire African continent,” Idris said.
The minister further assured that the government would continue working with UNESCO to ensure the institute’s infrastructure readiness and governance strength.
He revealed that the formal launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute is expected to hold in February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO officials, member states, and strategic partners in attendance.
Among the Nigerian delegation at the UNESCO General Conference were the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Eze; House Committee on Information, National Ethics and Values Chairman, Hon. Olusola Fatoba; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, who represented the Minister; as well as the heads of NTA,p ARCON, VON, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani.
The designation of Nigeria as host of the world’s first UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute cements the nation’s position at the forefront of global efforts to promote informed, responsible, and ethical use of media — a timely development in an era where disinformation continues to threaten democracy and social cohesion.
By PRNigeria
