Nigeria has secured global recognition as the United Nations General Assembly has approved the country’s right to host and operate the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre in Abuja.
The announcement came after deliberations held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, during a UNESCO session at the World Heritage Site. The approval makes Nigeria the first African nation to run a Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute under UNESCO’s framework.
Nigeria’s Global Milestone
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced the development at a press briefing in Abuja, describing it as a major step for Nigeria’s global influence in media education, digital literacy, and information integrity.
“Today, we have won the right. Henceforth, Nigeria will serve as a Centre for International Media and Information Literacy,” Idris said.
He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strong political backing that made the country’s successful bid possible.
“The process started before I became Minister in 2023. When I briefed the President, he said he was ready to do everything necessary to make this project a reality. This achievement is a testament to his commitment,” Idris added.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Standing
The new UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Centre will operate as a global hub for media training, research, and policy dialogue, focusing on combating misinformation and promoting responsible media use.
Officials say the institute will provide platforms for African journalists, educators, and communication experts to build capacity in fact-checking, content verification, and digital citizenship — aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Hosting International Conferences
In addition to this achievement, Nigeria has also been selected to host two major global events in 2026:
- The African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, and
- The World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
Both events will hold in Abuja, making Nigeria the first African country to host the two major public relations gatherings in the same year.
The Minister also announced that the country will host the first meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI), strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s communication and information diplomacy.
A New Era for Media Literacy
Experts have described the approval as a breakthrough for Africa’s media development, noting that the UNESCO-affiliated institute will play a critical role in tackling disinformation, promoting ethical journalism, and empowering youth through digital literacy training.
The centre, once operational, is expected to attract collaborations with global universities, media organizations, and civil society partners.
According to ministry officials, preparations are already underway to establish the infrastructure and governance framework for the institute before its full launch in 2026.
Conclusion
With the United Nations’ approval, Nigeria now holds a central role in shaping global media and information literacy policies. The new UNESCO-backed centre will not only boost Nigeria’s international standing but also equip the African continent with the tools needed to combat misinformation and strengthen democratic communication systems.