Tinubu Unveils World’s First UNESCO Media Literacy Institute in Abuja
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the world’s first International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, marking a major global step in the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and the abuse of digital communication.
The institute, established under the auspices of UNESCO, was formally unveiled on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to promote responsible information use and digital literacy.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation and signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister.
Represented at the ceremony by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Tinubu described the launch as a “historic moment” for Nigeria, Africa, and the international community.
“This is a historic moment, not only for Nigeria and Africa, but for the global community. Today, we open the first UNESCO Category 2 Institute for Media and Information Literacy anywhere in the world, at a time when the need for it has never been greater,” he said.
The President underscored the growing global threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, warning that false narratives, hate speech, and manipulated content are increasingly undermining institutions and fueling division.
“Misinformation spreads rapidly. Disinformation is used to divide communities and weaken institutions… the line between fact and falsehood is increasingly blurred,” he stated, stressing that the institute is “not optional; it is essential.”
Tinubu noted that the establishment of IMILI fulfills Nigeria’s commitment made during the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week hosted in 2022, adding that the initiative received unanimous backing from all 194 UNESCO member states.
He also announced that the Federal Government would provide funding and institutional support for the institute, which will be hosted by the National Open University of Nigeria, alongside strategic collaboration with UNESCO on operational frameworks.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the institute as a bold statement of Nigeria’s leadership in promoting informed citizenship and safeguarding information integrity.
“The establishment of IMILI positions Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to build resilient knowledge systems… and advance freedom of expression and access to information,” the minister said.
He added that the institute would serve as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy dialogue, attracting educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders from across the world.
Dignitaries at the event included Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Binyerem Ukaire; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Hajo Sani; Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Uduma O. Uduma; and UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mariya Gabriel, among others.
The launch of IMILI is expected to strengthen global cooperation in media literacy, enhance critical thinking skills, and promote responsible communication in an increasingly complex digital information ecosystem.
