The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Federal Government, has inaugurated the world’s first International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Nigeria.
Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, disclosed this in an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony.
Ms Gabriel said the establishment of the institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) marked a historic milestone, positioning Nigeria, Africa, and the global community at the forefront of efforts to strengthen critical thinking.
According to her, the institute is transformative in addressing contemporary challenges, improving access to information, and translating that access into informed, responsible, and empowered societies.
“In a world where the volume of information continues to grow exponentially, the ability to distinguish between reliable and misleading content has become essential,” Ms Gabriel said.
“IMILI will serve as a global hub for research, capacity development, policy support, and innovation in media and information literacy. It will equip governments, educators, media professionals, and young people with the tools and skills needed to critically engage with information, counter misinformation, and actively participate in democratic processes.”
The event featured goodwill messages from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi; the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad; and the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Uduma Uduma, among others.