FG to launch UNESCO Media Literacy Institute to boost digital responsibility

The Federal Government has unveiled a bold initiative to position Nigeria as a global hub for responsible media and information use in the digital age, with plans underway to launch a UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in November 2025.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday, June 17, in Abuja while speaking at the public presentation of a book by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) titled “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing.” The event also featured a fundraising campaign for the proposed GOCOP Media Centre.

Alhaji Idris, who chaired the event, noted that the upcoming MIL Institute will serve as a critical platform to promote academic research, capacity building, and professional development in media and information literacy. He urged GOCOP to take full advantage of the institute’s offerings, particularly in areas such as fact-checking, combating misinformation, and fostering digital citizenship.

“The MIL Institute will not only provide academic and experiential value but also serve as a resource for improving professional standards across the media landscape,” Idris said. “I encourage GOCOP and other media stakeholders to actively engage with the institute to improve the quality of public communication.”

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The minister also emphasized the pivotal role of online media in nurturing Nigeria’s democratic journey, praising its function as a watchdog, agenda-setter, and channel for public engagement. He stressed that responsible journalism and fact-based reporting remain essential in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through digital platforms.

While reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to press freedom, Idris underscored the importance of balancing freedom with responsibility. “The Federal Government remains unwavering in its support for a free, vibrant, and responsible press—one that upholds the values of truth, fairness, and accountability,” he said.

He further highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader reform agenda aimed at translating democratic governance into real benefits for Nigerians. These include sweeping policy reforms, strategic infrastructure development, and expanded social services, all designed to improve the quality of life across the country.

As part of the government’s strategic communication vision, Idris assured that collaboration with bodies like GOCOP will be intensified to elevate media standards, promote media literacy, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and drives national progress.

“The media must help build a narrative that galvanizes citizens toward collective progress, and we are committed to supporting that goal through policy, education, and institutional development,” the minister added.