The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the federal government, has inaugurated the world’s first International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Nigeria.

Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (ADG/CI), said this in an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration.

Ms Gabriel said the establishment of the institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) by UNESCO marked a historic milestone.

She said this would position Nigeria, Africa, and the global community at the forefront of efforts geared towards strengthening critical thinking.

According to her, the institute is transformative in addressing challenges in the modern era, boosting people’s access to information, and translating the same into informed, responsible, and empowered societies.

Ms Gabriel said, “In a world where the volume of information continues to grow exponentially, the ability to distinguish between reliable and misleading content has become essential.

“IMILI will serve as a global hub for research, capacity development, policy support, and innovation in Media and Information Literacy.

“It will support governments, educators, media professionals, and young people with the tools and skills needed to critically engage with information, counter misinformation, and actively participate in democratic processes.”

The event featured goodwill messages from George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi.

Others include Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, and Uduma Uduma, Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, among others. 

(NAN)