Nigeria is steadily advancing its bid to host the UNESCO Category II Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, with seven countries formally endorsing its candidacy and commitments from 20 others. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a recent meeting with a UNESCO delegation visiting Nigeria to evaluate the country’s preparedness for hosting the institute.
Speaking on Nigeria’s growing support for this global initiative, the Minister stated, “We have secured the endorsement of seven sister nations, while twenty others have expressed their readiness to back Nigeria. We are confident that at the next UNESCO Board sitting, the final hosting rights for the MIL Institute will be granted to Nigeria.” He also confirmed that the institute is set to be housed within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.
The UNESCO delegation, led by Mr. Nelson Papi Kolliesuah of Data-Pop Alliance, has expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s infrastructure, capacity, and governance framework for the institute. Kolliesuah emphasized that the initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Nigeria’s education policies, praising the government’s comprehensive preparations.
The Minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the necessary funding for the project, ensuring that the institute is adequately resourced. Collaboration between the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders is underway to secure the successful establishment of the MIL Institute.
Idris underscored the global significance of Media and Information Literacy as a tool to counter the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, which he described as threats to peace, security, and democratic values worldwide. “Fake news and disinformation are not peculiar to Nigeria; they are global problems. UNESCO has taken significant steps to combat this menace, and Nigeria, through this institute, aims to contribute meaningfully to the global effort,” he stated.
The Minister further clarified that efforts to combat fake news and misinformation should not be misconstrued as an infringement on press freedom. He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression while emphasizing the need for responsible journalism. “Freedom of the press is critical for democracy to thrive, but freedom must also come with responsibility. Press freedom cannot exist without respect for the rights of others,” he remarked.
The MIL Institute is envisioned to be a global hub for research, training, and advocacy in media and information literacy. It will serve as a platform for promoting critical thinking, responsible information dissemination, and ethical media practices not only in Nigeria but also across Africa and the world.
This initiative has also sparked optimism among stakeholders about its potential impact on education and governance. The institute is expected to drive innovative approaches to media literacy, fostering a better-informed citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age.
As Nigeria prepares to cement its role as a global leader in the fight against fake news and misinformation, the government is leaving no stone unturned in meeting UNESCO’s stringent requirements. The proposed institute is set to position Nigeria as a strategic player in promoting global media literacy while enhancing its reputation on the international stage.
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