Nigeria Takes Global Lead as UNESCO Media Institute Launch Signals New War Against Fake News
(L–R) Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and Director, Public Communication and National Orientation, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike; Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma; Representative of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Director, International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), Dr. Sharon Omotoso; and President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, during Day 2 of the official launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), held on April 30, 2026, in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed/FMINO.
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria has stepped onto the global stage in the fight against misinformation with the launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a landmark initiative positioned to reshape how citizens engage with information in the digital age.
Declaring the institute a turning point for democratic resilience and responsible communication, the Federal Government said the initiative marks the beginning of a far-reaching transformation not only for Nigeria but for Africa and the wider global community.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described IMILI as a strategic response to the rising threat of misinformation, disinformation, and declining public trust in institutions.
Speaking at the close of the institute’s two-day launch at the National Open University of Nigeria, the minister—represented by Dili Ezughah—said the initiative places Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to promote media and information literacy.
“This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and the global community. IMILI is more than an institution; it is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact,” he said.
The government noted that the institute aligns with the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in strengthening transparency, civic participation, and inclusive development.
Idris emphasized that outcomes from the launch—including the presentation of IMILI’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan—have already laid a concrete foundation for implementation and long-term sustainability.
“What is required now is commitment—commitment to partnerships, to implementation, and to measurable progress that will benefit not just Nigeria, but the global community,” he stated.
He described the institute as a global hub that will bring together educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders to promote critical thinking and responsible engagement in an era increasingly shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, the minister warned that the rapid spread of false information poses serious risks to governance, peace, and social cohesion.
“The ability to think critically, verify information, and engage responsibly is fundamental to building resilient societies and safeguarding democratic institutions,” he said.
He further stressed that addressing these challenges requires a broad coalition involving government, media, academia, civil society, and international partners, including UNESCO.
“At a time when information can both unite and divide, IMILI provides the tools to ensure that knowledge empowers rather than misleads,” he added.
Describing Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 institute dedicated to media and information literacy as both a national achievement and a global responsibility, the minister called on stakeholders to translate ideas into concrete action.
The event drew high-level participation from across government, academia, and the communications sector, reinforcing IMILI’s ambition to serve as a central platform for research, policy dialogue, and capacity building in the global information ecosystem.
With the launch now complete, attention is expected to shift to implementation, as Nigeria seeks to leverage the institute to strengthen democratic values, rebuild public trust, and position itself as a leader in the global information order.
