Nigeria will commence operations of the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre in Abuja by February 2026.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit by the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Jean-Paul Abiaga.
The minister underscored Nigeria’s commitment to leading global media literacy and the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
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Idris stated that President Bola Tinubu has given clear directives for the Centre to begin operations without delay, affirming 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,” the minister declared.
He emphasised that the Institute is a global institution intended to serve humanity and strengthen national unity through media literacy.
The Centre will function as a world-class training institution, equipping professionals who will, in turn, train others worldwide.
Abiaga explained that his visit was to congratulate Nigeria for securing the first Media and Information Literacy Associated Centre globally at the last UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
Abiaga expressed UNESCO’s pride in Nigeria’s leadership: “To have the first in the world Media and Information Literacy Institute established here is something we are very proud of. Nigeria is showing the example, not only in Africa, but also across the world.”
He added that Nigeria’s success represents a continental victory: “If we succeed in Nigeria, it is the whole of Africa which succeeds.”
To ensure a smooth launch, Minister Idris outlined immediate steps already underway, including the finalisation of legal and operational frameworks and the appointment of a pioneer Director-General.
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He also highlighted the development of international-standard training programmes for media professionals, public information managers, policymakers, educators, researchers, youth leaders, and digital communicators from around the world.
The minister reiterated that UNESCO’s confidence in Nigeria is a powerful message to sceptics of the country’s development trajectory, confirming that Nigeria will honour that confidence.
