UNESCO Media Literacy Centre Takes Off In Nigeria February

The federal government has announced February 2026 as the official commencement date for the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre, to be established in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this during a courtesy visit by the UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, in Abuja on Thursday.

“The announcement underscores Nigeria’s growing leadership in global media literacy and its commitment to combating misinformation, disinformation, and fake news,” the Minister stated.

Idris stated that President Bola Tinubu has given clear directives for the Centre to begin operations without delay, stressing the administration’s readiness to support its establishment.

“Nigeria will not delay this global responsibility. The UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute will commence operations in February 2026, with full support from the federal government. We are ready, and we will deliver,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the MIL Centre will serve as a global institution designed to strengthen media literacy and deepen national unity.

“This Institute is not just for Nigeria. It is a global centre that will transform how nations handle fake news, misinformation, and digital literacy. We are building a world-class institution that will train people who will go back and train others worldwide,” Idris said.

He added that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises national orientation and the dissemination of factual, responsible, and developmental information to citizens.

To ensure the smooth takeoff of the Institute, Idris outlined several ongoing actions, including finalising legal and operational frameworks and appointing a pioneer Director-General to lead the Centre.

He added that work has already begun on designing international-standard training programmes for media professionals, policymakers, educators, researchers, youth leaders, public information managers, and digital communicators from within and outside Nigeria.

The Minister also confirmed that Nigeria will deepen its collaboration with UNESCO and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO to ensure the Centre meets global expectations and delivers measurable impact.

“At a time when some doubt Nigeria’s capacity, UNESCO has reaffirmed our place as a true partner in global development. We will honour that confidence,” Idris stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Abiaga congratulated Nigeria for securing approval to host the world’s first Media and Information Literacy Associated Centre, describing it as a major global feat.

“To have the first Media and Information Literacy Institute established here is something we are very proud of. Nigeria is showing the example, not only in Africa but across the world,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s success is a continental success, notin that: “If we succeed in Nigeria, it is the whole of Africa which succeeds.”

The meeting ended with the Minister presenting the FGN CONNECT magazine to the visiting UNESCO delegation, showcasing national communication strategies and development-focused public awareness initiatives championed by the Ministry.