By Hajara Abdullahi
Following approval from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Nigeria is set to host the world’s first category 2 of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
The approval was granted at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Commission held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
In a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation,Rabiu Ibrahim said the decision portrays Nigeria as a global leader in combating misinformation and disinformation,while promoting responsible media engagement.
Speaking at the UNESCO conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed described the decision as “a strong vote in our nation ”
He added that “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 explained that decision marks Nigeria’s fulfilment to the pledge it made to establishing a UNESCO recognized institute during the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference held in Abuja,2022.He added that the institute would serve as an international hub that helps individuals navigate the digital world with confidence.
The formal launch of the institution would be held in Abuja in February 2026,with the attendance of UNESCO officials, member states and strategic partner,the statement added
The minister was represented at the conference by the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,Dr Mohammed Bulama,who was accompanied by Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO Dr Hajo Sani,Senate House committee chairmen on information,and heads of key media agencies