President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), described as the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Institute dedicated to Media and Information Literacy.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, marked what the Federal Government called a major milestone in the fight against misinformation and disinformation globally.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said the initiative underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting responsible communication in the digital age.
“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, at a time when the need for it has never been greater,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the establishment of IMILI fulfilled Nigeria’s commitment after hosting the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week in 2022, adding that the institute received unanimous endorsement from all 194 member states of the UNESCO at its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand.
He stressed the growing dangers posed by the misuse of information, warning that media literacy is now critical to societal stability.
“Misinformation spreads rapidly. Disinformation is used to divide communities and weaken institutions. Hate speech fuels conflict. The line between fact and falsehood is increasingly blurred, often deliberately. These are global challenges that affect every society. This is why IMILI is not optional; it is essential,” he stated.
The President further disclosed that the Federal Government has provided funding and institutional backing for the institute at the National Open University of Nigeria, alongside collaboration with UNESCO on its legal and operational framework.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to embrace media and information literacy as a tool for national development.
“Let this Institute stand as a beacon of truth, critical thinking, and responsible communication,” he added, formally declaring IMILI open.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the institute as a demonstration of Nigeria’s readiness to lead global efforts in promoting informed citizenship and safeguarding information integrity.
“The establishment of IMILI positions Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to build resilient knowledge systems, foster critical engagement with the digital environment, and advance freedom of expression and access to information,” the minister said.
According to him, the institute will serve as a global hub for research, capacity building and policy dialogue, attracting educators, journalists, policymakers and young leaders from across the world.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani; and other stakeholders in the information and communication sector.
