Nigeria has secured approval from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to host the first-ever Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMLI) in the world.
The decision was officially ratified at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Commission held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The institute, to be based in Abuja, positions Nigeria as a global leader in combating misinformation and disinformation, while promoting digital literacy, research, and policy innovation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the approval as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation,” emphasizing that the institute will serve as an international observatory and hub to help individuals and communities navigate the digital age with discernment and confidence.
He added that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is fostering a society where responsible free speech drives national progress. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratisation of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver,” the minister stated.
Idris recalled that Nigeria’s journey toward establishing the institute began in October 2022, when the country hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week and Feature Conference in Abuja, during which it pledged to set up the UNESCO-affiliated centre.
Congratulating President Tinubu, the minister said the milestone reflects the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and represents a major achievement for both Nigeria and Africa.
He announced that the formal launch of the institute is scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja, with participation expected from UNESCO officials, member states, and key global partners.
The Nigerian delegation to the UNESCO conference included Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman of the 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 others.
The government pledged continued collaboration with UNESCO to develop the institute’s infrastructure and governance framework, ensuring its readiness to fulfil its global mandate.
