Nigeria has gained support from seven nations to host a UNESCO Category II Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, setting the stage for an impactful milestone. The announcement was made by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, during a visit from a UNESCO delegation led by Nelson Papi Kolliesuah of Data-Pop Alliance.
The delegation’s visit aimed to assess Nigeria’s readiness to host the institute. According to Idris, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja has been identified as the proposed site, with preparations already underway. He expressed optimism that with 20 additional nations expected to back the initiative, Nigeria would soon secure final hosting rights at UNESCO’s upcoming board meeting.
Highlighting Nigeria’s dedication, Idris stated, “This institute is not just for Nigeria but for Africa and the global community. It’s a chance for our country to demonstrate our expertise and commitment to advancing media and information literacy worldwide.”
With President Bola Tinubu’s approval, necessary funding for the institute has been secured. The project involves collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders. Idris emphasized that the institute’s goal is to tackle global challenges such as fake news, misinformation, and disinformation—issues that threaten peace and security.
“Fake news is a global issue, and we recognize UNESCO’s efforts to address it. Nigeria faces its share of these challenges, and this institute will play a crucial role in countering them,” he said. While reiterating the government’s commitment to press freedom, Idris stressed the balance between freedom and responsibility, adding, “Freedom of the press must respect the boundaries of others’ rights.”
Nelson Papi Kolliesuah expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and preparations Nigeria has made. He noted that their mission was to ensure the institute aligns with global standards, the country’s educational framework, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This initiative underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in fostering a more informed and responsible global media landscape.