Literacy Must Now Include Digital Skills, Says Remi Tinubu

Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has called for a redefinition of literacy in the 21st Century to include digital skills, stressing that a literate population must be equipped to thrive in the digital age.

In a message to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day on September 8, themed “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” the First Lady said empowering young people, women, and the underprivileged with digital knowledge is vital to building an inclusive society.

“As a lifelong educationist, I believe a literate population is the foundation of boundless opportunities, and in today’s world it must include digital skills,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.

She noted that closing the gap of digital exclusion requires a collective effort, warning that failure to do so would limit opportunities for millions of Nigerians in education, employment, and enterprise.

“When we as a people work together, we can close the gap of digital exclusion and open doors to a brighter, inclusive future for all Nigerians,” the First Lady said.

Mrs. Tinubu underscored the need to harness International Literacy Day as a moment for reflection and action, urging stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to intensify initiatives that bridge the digital divide.

She congratulated Nigerians on the commemoration and reaffirmed her commitment to championing educational causes that empower the nation’s youth, women, and vulnerable groups.