Tinubu Inaugurates World’s First UNESCO Media Literacy Institute
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the world’s first Media and Information Literacy Institute established under UNESCO, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to combat misinformation and promote responsible communication.
The institute, known as the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), was launched at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials and international partners in attendance.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President described the development as a historic milestone for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.
He said the institute comes at a critical time when misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are increasingly threatening social cohesion and institutional trust worldwide.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the establishment of IMILI fulfilled Nigeria’s commitment made during the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week hosted in 2022, adding that the initiative received unanimous endorsement from all UNESCO member states.
He emphasised that media and information literacy is essential in addressing the growing challenges posed by the digital information ecosystem.
“Misinformation spreads rapidly. Disinformation is used to divide communities and weaken institutions. This is why IMILI is not optional; it is essential,” he added.
The President also assured of the Federal Government’s continued support for the institute through funding, institutional backing, and collaboration with UNESCO.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the institute as a strategic platform that will position Nigeria as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in media literacy.
He said the institute would serve educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders, while promoting critical thinking and responsible engagement with information.
According to him, the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening informed citizenship and safeguarding information integrity.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including government officials, international partners, and representatives from academic and professional institutions.
The institute is expected to play a central role in advancing global efforts to build resilient information systems and promote access to credible information.
By TimesNG