The Federal Government has lauded the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for its impact in advancing Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and for establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), which is set to receive UNESCO Category 2 certification during the General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025.
The commendation was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit by NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Peters, and his delegation to the Ministry in Abuja.
Idris lauded NOUN’s role in expanding access to education and promoting media and information literacy nationwide, describing IMILI as “a bold step in strengthening truth, civic enlightenment, and responsible communication in the digital era.”
He noted that the Ministry is working closely with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to secure the institute’s full ratification at the upcoming UNESCO General Conference. “IMILI is not just an educational initiative; it is a strategic investment in truth, literacy, and civic enlightenment,” Idris said.
The Minister emphasised that IMILI aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises integrity, accountability and public enlightenment. He further highlighted the importance of media and information literacy as a safeguard against misinformation and a tool for national unity and peacebuilding.
In his response, Peters expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its confidence and financial support, including a ₦250 million grant for IMILI’s establishment. He reaffirmed NOUN’s readiness for UNESCO’s accreditation, citing the university’s digital infrastructure and academic expertise as key enablers.
“The International Media and Information Literacy Institute will consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in global media education and empower citizens to engage responsibly in the digital space,” Peters stated. Once certified, IMILI will serve as a regional hub for research, training, and advocacy in media literacy, digital ethics, and civic education across Africa.
