Abuja: UNESCO and the Federal Government have inaugurated the world’s first International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) at the National Open University of Nigeria. This landmark move positions Nigeria at the forefront of global education reform and is hailed as a historic milestone in the fight against misinformation and in promoting critical thinking.
Ms Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, shared this in an interview at the event.
Gabriel called the institute at the National Open University of Nigeria a historic milestone.
She said this would put Nigeria, Africa, and the global community at the forefront of efforts to strengthen critical thinking across the continent.
According to her, the institute will transform efforts to address modern challenges. It will boost access to information and help build informed, responsible, and empowered societies.
Gabriel said, “As information grows, distinguishing reliable from misleading content is essential.
IMILI is intended to serve as a global hub for research, capacity development, policy support, and innovation in Media and Information Literacy, but the extent of its influence will depend on future results.
It will support governments, educators, media professionals, and young people. They will gain tools and skills for critical engagement with information, countering misinformation, and participating in democracy.
The event included messages from Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi.
Others include Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, and Prof. Uduma Uduma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria.