The call was made by Olugbenga Adanikin, Founder of the UK-based Media Action for Child Safety and Information Literacy (MACSAIL CIC). He emphasized that equipping children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital environment responsibly would complement government efforts to regulate children’s access to the internet and social media. This move aims to protect children from online harm, misinformation, cybercrime, and other digital risks. Adanikin made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
Adanikin suggested introducing age-appropriate digital and information literacy from the primary school level. This would enable children and young people to identify harmful, misleading, or unreliable online content and make informed decisions about their digital activities. He described digital literacy as essential to protecting future generations from the harmful effects of cybercrime and dangerous or misleading digital information. This initiative would help children develop critical thinking and improve their ability to evaluate online information.
According to Adanikin, achieving meaningful digital safety requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving government, schools, parents, technology companies, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders. He commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for following the UK Government's pace in restricting early exposure to the internet and social media. However, he stressed that this must translate into actual policy action to ensure effective implementation.
Adanikin, a former journalist with the Nation Newspaper, suggested that digital and information literacy does not necessarily have to be introduced as a standalone subject. Instead, it could be creatively integrated into existing areas of the school curriculum. He encouraged young people to question the credibility of online information, check website security, and verify the accuracy of online content. This approach would help foster critical thinking and improve young people’s ability to evaluate information and content encountered online.
The MACSAIL CIC chief executive officer also recalled the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure that major social media and technology companies maintain a physical presence in Nigeria. He stressed the need for effective mechanisms to hold these companies accountable for their activities and obligations within the country. Adanikin emphasized that protecting children in the digital age should not be viewed solely as a question of restricting access to the internet.
Adanikin called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, parents, technology companies, and civil society organisations. This collaboration aims to develop a comprehensive framework for child online safety and digital citizenship in Nigeria. He recently concluded the MACSAIL CIC 2026 Summer Digital Safety Training Workshop and Parent Roundtable Meeting in Derby, United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
The integration of digital and information literacy into Nigeria’s education curriculum is seen as a crucial step towards protecting children and young people from online harm. This move has the potential to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to use digital platforms safely and responsibly. By working together, stakeholders can help create a safer digital environment for Nigeria's future generations.
Key points
- The Federal Government has been urged to integrate digital and information literacy into Nigeria’s education curriculum.
- Olugbenga Adanikin suggested introducing age-appropriate digital and information literacy from the primary school level.
- A coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach is required to achieve meaningful digital safety.
