The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced that the world's first UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre will begin operations in February 2026. The groundbreaking facility, to be hosted in Abuja, marks a significant milestone for Nigeria's role in global information management.
Government Commitment and Global Mandate
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement during a meeting with UNESCO's Head of Office in Nigeria, Dr. Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga. Idris stated that President Bola Tinubu has issued direct orders to ensure the project commences without any delays, framing it as both a national priority and an international duty.
"Nigeria will not delay this global responsibility," Idris declared. "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 positioned the centre as a critical component of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on empowering citizens with accurate and constructive information.
A Continental Beacon Against Misinformation
The centre is designed to be a global epicentre for advancing media literacy, fighting the spread of false information, and promoting social cohesion through verified content. Its mission extends far beyond Nigeria's borders.
"This Institute is not just for Nigeria," Idris explained. "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." The facility will offer advanced training for a diverse group, including media professionals, policymakers, educators, and youth leaders from across the globe.
Dr. Abiaga congratulated Nigeria on securing this first-of-its-kind centre, calling it a landmark achievement for the nation and the African continent. He emphasized the project's broader significance, noting that "If we succeed in Nigeria, it is the whole of Africa which succeeds."
Roadmap to a February 2026 Take-Off
To ensure a successful launch, the Minister outlined key preparatory steps already underway. These include finalizing the necessary legal and operational frameworks and appointing a pioneer Director-General to steer the pre-launch phase.
Idris also confirmed that development has begun on international-standard training programmes. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to working closely with UNESCO and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO to meet global expectations.
"At a time when some doubt Nigeria’s capacity, UNESCO has reaffirmed our place as a true partner in global development," Idris said. "We will honour that confidence." The establishment of this centre in Abuja positions Nigeria as a leading force in the crucial global fight against digital falsehoods and information disorder.
