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Enhancing Data Literacy for Better Decision-Making in Nigeria through NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative
Enhancing Data Literacy for Better Decision-Making in Nigeria through NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative
“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” — W. Edwards Deming
By Ernest Ogezi
In the digital era, data has become the new currency, driving decisions in every sector from business to healthcare, education, and governance. In Nigeria, the importance of data literacy—the ability to understand, interpret, and effectively use data—has never been more apparent. As the country seeks to establish itself in the global digital economy, the need for enhanced data literacy among its citizens, businesses, and institutions is critical for informed decision-making and sustainable development.
In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to navigate, interpret, and draw meaningful insights from data is a vital skill. For Nigeria, a country with a rapidly growing population and economy, data literacy is a powerful tool for addressing complex challenges, from economic development and public health to education and social welfare. With the rise of big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), individuals and organizations are continuously generating and interacting with vast amounts of information.
Data literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions, whether they are students, entrepreneurs, or policymakers. For businesses, especially in Nigeria’s dynamic informal sector, understanding data can lead to better market strategies, efficient resource management, and increased competitiveness. For government agencies and NGOs, data literacy is essential for designing effective policies, allocating resources wisely, and measuring the impact of programs. In education, it helps students and educators engage with information critically, fostering a generation of problem-solvers who can drive innovation and growth.
Aware of the importance of data literacy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken significant steps to enhance the digital capabilities of Nigerians. Through initiatives like the “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) program, NITDA aims to equip citizens with essential digital skills, including data literacy. The DL4ALL initiative, launched in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), focuses on empowering individuals to browse, search, filter, and evaluate digital content effectively.
Data literacy is a key component of NITDA’s broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which emphasizes building a digitally savvy population capable of participating actively in the global digital economy. The agency recognizes that to harness the full potential of data, individuals must not only access it but also interpret and use it meaningfully. By integrating data literacy into its digital literacy programs, NITDA is fostering a culture where data becomes a crucial part of decision-making processes across all sectors.
Nigeria’s informal sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, stands to benefit immensely from enhanced data literacy. Market traders, small business owners, artisans, and entrepreneurs can use data to better understand customer preferences, manage inventory, optimize pricing strategies, and forecast market trends. For example, by analyzing sales data, a market vendor can identify the best-selling products, peak shopping hours, and customer demographics, enabling them to tailor their offerings and maximize profits.
Data literacy is also essential for effective governance and policy-making. In Nigeria, where resource allocation, public health, education, and infrastructure development are critical issues, data-driven decision-making can lead to more targeted and impactful interventions. By analyzing data on population demographics, economic activities, health trends, and educational outcomes, policymakers can identify gaps, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to address the needs of different communities more effectively.
NITDA’s efforts to promote data literacy through initiatives like DL4ALL are steps in the right direction, laying the foundation for a digitally literate society. As Nigeria continues its journey towards becoming a leader in the digital economy, building a culture of data literacy will be crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern world and ensuring sustainable development for all.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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