Nigeria has secured approval to host the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, positioning the country as a global leader in combating misinformation and promoting responsible digital engagement.
The approval was granted at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Commission held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMLI), Abuja, was officially designated as a Category 2 Institute — the first of its kind globally.
Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the development as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.”
He said Nigeria is fully committed to its new responsibility, explaining that the Institute will serve as an international observatory and hub for advancing media literacy, empowering citizens worldwide to navigate the digital age responsibly.
“The Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech drives national progress,” Idris stated. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratisation of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.”
According to the Minister, the milestone was the culmination of efforts that began in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference in Abuja and pledged to establish the Institute in collaboration with UNESCO.
“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which reflects his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is a major win for Nigeria and for Africa,” Idris added.
He further pledged continued collaboration with UNESCO to provide the Institute’s infrastructure and governance framework, noting that a multidisciplinary team of experts would be constituted to actualise its mandate.
Idris also revealed that the formal launch of the Institute is scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja, with attendance expected from UNESCO officials, member states, and international partners.
Among the Nigerian delegation at the conference were Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation; Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Chairman of the 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.
