The United Nations has raised concerns over Nigeria’s widening digital education gap, revealing that 78 per cent of young Nigerians lack basic digital literacy skills despite the growing importance of technology in global education and employment.
The concern was raised during the second session of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations General Assembly held at the UN House in Abuja.
Speaking at the summit, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, represented by the Country Head of the United Nations Population Fund, Ms Muriel Mafico, said the figures underscored the urgency of digital transformation in Nigeria’s education sector.
According to her, only about 36 per cent of Nigerians currently use the internet, while more than 10 million primary school-age children remain out of school.
She said, “In Nigeria today, only about 36 per cent of the population uses the internet, while 78 per cent of young people lack basic digital literacy skills, with over 10 million primary school-age children out of school.
This highlights the scale of the education crisis and the urgency of digital solutions.”
The summit, organised by Premiere Academy in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre, featured 109 students simulating proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly.
Themed, “Digital Transformation of the Educational Sector as a Driver of Sustainable Development,” the conference focused on the role of technology in improving access to quality education and preparing young people for future careers.
In a pre-recorded goodwill message, António Guterres described digital transformation as critical to building a fair and sustainable future.
He noted that many countries had already integrated Artificial Intelligence, coding and digital skills into their school curricula to prepare students for emerging opportunities in the global economy.
“Digital education is a powerful engine for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres said.
“When digital tools are effectively deployed, students in remote villages can access the same quality of information available in major cities, helping to bridge inequality gaps.”
The UN chief, however, warned that many communities still lacked stable internet access and electricity, while several teachers had not received adequate digital training.
He urged governments to prioritise teacher training, establish community technology centres and encourage local developers to create digital learning tools that reflect indigenous languages and cultures.
Addressing the students, Mafico described the conference as a platform for grooming future leaders capable of solving global challenges through innovation and collaboration.
“This conference is more than an academic exercise. It is your training ground for leadership,” she said.
“Use your voice to propose bold ideas and think creatively about how technology can expand access to education and empower marginalised communities.”
Earlier, the Principal of Premiere Academy, Mr Chris Akinsowon, said the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated the importance of digital education globally.
“At no other time in human history has technology shaped the future of education as profoundly as it does today,” he said.
“The pandemic showed that countries which embraced digital education adapted faster, recovered quicker and sustained learning more effectively.”
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