Nigeria to Host World’s First UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute
Nigeria has secured the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to host the first-ever Category-2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in the world.
The landmark decision was adopted at the 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission (CI Session) of UNESCO, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
With this approval, Nigeria takes a historic step toward global leadership in the fight against misinformation and disinformation, positioning itself as a hub for international research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in digital communication and information literacy.
Delivering Nigeria’s address at the conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.”
According to the minister, the Institute — to be based in Abuja — will serve as an international observatory and hub to equip individuals and communities worldwide with the skills to navigate the digital age responsibly.
“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech drives 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.”
The minister explained that this milestone marks the fulfillment of a process initiated in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference in Abuja and pledged to establish a UNESCO International MIL Institute.
“I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which reflects his commitment to the Nigerian project encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is a big win for all Nigerians and for the African continent,” Idris stated.
He further pledged Nigeria’s continued collaboration with UNESCO to develop the Institute’s infrastructure and governance structure, noting that a multidisciplinary team of experts would be assembled to deliver on its global mandate.
Idris also announced that the formal launch of the Institute will take place in February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO officials, member states, and international partners expected to attend.
The Nigerian delegation to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference included Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation; Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Ethics and Values; Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), who represented the Minister; Malam Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON); and Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, among other officials.
