World’s first UNESCO MIL Institute launched in Nigeria

In a pivotal move set to reshape the global fight against misinformation
and disinformation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially launched the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) on Wednesday.

This groundbreaking institution, the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Institute dedicated to Media and Information Literacy (MIL), marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, Africa, and
the international community.

The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa, saw President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, emphasize the critical timing of IMILI’s establishment.

“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,” stated the President.

President Tinubu underscored the escalating challenges posed by the rapid spread of misinformation, the divisive use of disinformation, and the proliferation of hate speech.

He highlighted how these issues blur the lines between fact and falsehood, often deliberately, affecting society globally. “This is why IMILI is not optional; it is essential,” he asserted, positioning MIL as a vital tool for responsible information consumption.
The journey to IMILI’s creation began with Nigeria’s commitment during the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week in 2022.

The President acknowledged the tireless
efforts of government officials, Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, and unanimous endorsement from 194 UNESCO Member States at the 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, which paved the way for this institute.

The Federal Government has pledged concrete support for IMILI, including dedicated funding, institutional backing through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), and collaborative efforts with UNESCO on legal and operational frameworks.
This commitment solidifies Nigeria’s leadership in promoting informed citizenship and safeguarding information integrity.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed the President’s sentiments in his welcome address.

He lauded IMILI as a testament to
Nigeria’s readiness to lead global efforts in building resilient knowledge systems, fostering critical engagement with the digital environment, and advancing freedom of expression and access to information.

“IMILI will serve as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy dialogue, welcoming educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders from around the world,” Minister Idris affirmed.
President Tinubu concluded his address by calling upon all citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace media literacy as a cornerstone for national development and global progress.

“Let this Institute stand as a beacon of truth, critical thinking, and responsible
communication,” he urged, formally declaring IMILI officially launched.

The landmark event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, OON;

Also, Vice Chancellor, NOUN, Prof. Uduma O. Uduma; Resident Rep, UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Atafuah; Assistant Director -General for Communication Information, UNESCO, Ms. Mariya Gabriel; Director of IMILI Nigeria, Dr. Sharon Omotoso; and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku.