Nigeria has received approval from UNESCO to host the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute — a move that places the country at the forefront of the global fight against misinformation and digital illiteracy.
The decision was announced at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote responsible media use and digital awareness.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation,” adding that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a society where responsible free speech drives progress.
He said the new institute will serve as a global hub to help people and communities navigate the digital age with confidence and critical thinking.
According to Idris, this fulfills a promise Nigeria made during the 2022 Global Media and Information Literacy Conference in Abuja to establish a UNESCO-recognised centre.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu for the achievement, calling it “a big win for Nigeria and Africa.”
The institute will officially launch in Abuja in February 2026, with UNESCO officials, international partners, and government representatives in attendance.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
