The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has formally approved Nigeria as the host of the world’s first Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute.
The approval was granted during the 43rd General Conference of the Communication and Information Commission in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
This designation positions Nigeria at the forefront of the international fight against misinformation and disinformation, empowering the country to lead global research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building in the critical digital field. The institute will be established in Abuja.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressing the UNESCO conference, described the decision as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation.” He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to this responsibility, noting that the institute will serve as an international observatory and hub, enabling individuals and communities worldwide to navigate the digital age with discernment and confidence.
“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to fostering a society where responsible free speech is seen as the engine of national progress,” Minister Idris stated. “A central pillar of our strategy is the democratisation of digital opportunities, with media and information literacy as the key driver.”
The Minister revealed that this achievement culminates a process that began in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Edition of the Global Media and Information Literacy and Feature Conference in Abuja and promised UNESCO to establish the institute.
“I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this achievement, which is a reflection of his commitment to the Nigerian project aptly encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This is equally a big win for all Nigerians and the continent of Africa,” Idris said.
The Minister pledged the government’s continued collaboration with UNESCO to meet the Institute’s infrastructure needs and strengthen its governance capacity by assembling a multidisciplinary team of experts to actualise its global mandate.
The formal launch of the Institute is scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO officials, member states, and strategic partners expected to attend.
The Nigerian delegation witnessing the historic designation included the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and National Orientation, Senator Engr. Kenneth Eze; the House Committee on Information, National, Ethics and Values, Honourable Olusola Fatoba; and heads of various Nigerian media regulatory bodies and broadcasting organizations.
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