Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, following its official approval at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Commission held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
With the designation, the International MIL Institute in Abuja is now recognized as a global centre for research, policy engagement, and capacity-building in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the approval as “a strong vote of confidence in our nation,” noting that the institute would serve as an international observatory and hub to help people navigate the digital era with improved media literacy.
He said the move aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to responsible free speech as a catalyst for national progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This achievement crowns a long and dedicated journey that began in October 2022, when Nigeria hosted the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Abuja, and made a pledge to establish a UNESCO International MIL Institute,” Idris stated.
The Minister pledged continued collaboration with UNESCO to provide the required infrastructure and expertise for the institute to deliver on its global mandate. He also disclosed that the official launch is scheduled for February 2026 in Abuja, with UNESCO member states and strategic partners expected to attend.
Members of Nigeria’s delegation to the UNESCO conference included the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and National Orientation, Senator Kenneth Eze; House Committee on Information, National Ethics and Values Chairman, Hon. Olusola Fatoba; Director General of the FRCN, Dr Mohammed Bulama; NTA Director General, Malam Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos; ARCON Director General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo; VON Director General, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Dr Hajo Sani.
