Nigeria's UNESCO Media Institute Bid Gains International Support

 Nigeria's UNESCO Media Institute Bid Gains International Support

In a significant stride towards enhancing global media literacy, Nigeria has garnered the endorsement of seven nations and commitments from twenty others to establish a UNESCO Category II Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute.This development was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a meeting with a UNESCO delegation assessing Nigeria's preparedness to host the institute.



Global Backing for Nigeria's Initiative

The proposed MIL Institute aims to serve as a hub for promoting media literacy, combating misinformation, and fostering critical thinking skills.Minister Idris highlighted the international support received, stating, "Already, we have had the support from about seven sister nations. About twenty have already indicated their desire to support Nigeria." He expressed optimism that, at the next UNESCO Board meeting, Nigeria would secure the final hosting rights for the institute, to be situated within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.

Nigeria's Commitment to Media Literacy

Emphasizing the institute's global significance, Minister Idris noted that it is designed not just for Nigeria but for the world at large.He underscored Nigeria's dedication to meeting all UNESCO requirements, revealing that, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval, necessary funding has been secured. Collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders are underway to ensure the project's success.

Addressing the Challenge of Misinformation

The initiative comes at a critical time when fake news and disinformation pose significant threats globally.Minister Idris remarked, "Fake news, misinformation, and disinformation are not just Nigeria’s problem. It’s a global problem."He called for a global alliance to combat these issues, clarifying that efforts to tackle fake news do not equate to stifling press freedom.He emphasized that while press freedom is vital for democracy, it must be balanced with responsibility.






UNESCO's Assessment and Future Steps

A UNESCO delegation, led by Mr. Nelson Papi Kolliesuah, Project Manager of Data-Pop Alliance, visited Nigeria to evaluate the infrastructure, capacity, and governance structures in place for the institute.Kolliesuah expressed satisfaction with Nigeria's preparations, stating that the mission aims to ensure the institute aligns with global aspirations, Nigeria's educational system, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Nigeria's bid to host the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute reflects its commitment to fostering a media-literate society capable of critical thinking and resilience against misinformation. With substantial international support and a strategic plan in place, the establishment of the institute in Abuja is poised to make a significant impact on global media literacy efforts.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

George Lowe, Legendary Voice of Space Ghost, Dies at 67

Image
  George Lowe, Legendary Voice of Space Ghost, Dies at 67 March 2, 2025 – The entertainment world mourns the loss of George Lowe , the beloved voice actor best known for bringing Space Ghost to life. Lowe passed away at the age of 67 after a long illness, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in animation and voice acting. His longtime friend, Marvin , confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing Lowe as "a supremely talented artist and the funniest man on Earth." Born November 10, 1957 , in Dunedin, Florida , George Edward Lowe discovered his passion for broadcasting at an early age. By 15 , he had already landed his first job at WWJB in Brooksville, Florida . After graduating from Hernando High School in 1975 , Lowe honed his craft at the Radio Engineering Institute of Sarasota and Pasco-Hernando Community College , laying the foundation for a stellar career. His commanding voice and natural wit made him a standout in radio, but fate had bigger plans—television animati...
Read more

The Runway King: How KWAM 1’s Airport Meltdown Exposed Nigeria’s Toxic Big Man Culture

Image
  The Runway King: How KWAM 1’s Airport Meltdown Exposed Nigeria’s Toxic Big Man Culture On August 5, 2025, at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a small moment became a big reckoning. King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal — KWAM 1, the legendary Fuji musician — breached aviation safety rules during boarding. It wasn’t just a celebrity tantrum. It was a perfect, high-definition snapshot of Nigeria’s most corrosive cultural disease: the “Big Man syndrome” — the belief that wealth, age, and status entitle one to suspend rules, humiliate others, and escape consequence. A Colonial Legacy Turned Cultural Code Big Man syndrome isn’t new. Its DNA comes from Nigeria’s colonial past, where British rule deliberately elevated certain traditional rulers and wealthy collaborators above the law to cheaply manage the colony. The result: a baked-in hierarchy where some people existed outside the reach of accountability. Independence didn’t kill it — it expanded it. Oil wealth, military cou...
Read more