The Federal Government has commended the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for its exceptional contributions to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and for hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), an institution expected to receive UNESCO Category 2 certification during the General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025.

‎The commendation was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, when he received the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister hailed NOUN’s strides in expanding access to education and its role in advancing media and information literacy in Nigeria. He described IMILI as “a bold step in strengthening truth, civic enlightenment, and responsible communication in the digital era.”

IMILI is not only an educational initiative but also a strategic national investment in truth, literacy, and civic enlightenment,” Idris stated.

That is why the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is fully committed to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of IMILI at the upcoming UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.”

‎Idris noted that the institute’s core objective aligns with global efforts to promote responsible media practices, counter misinformation, and foster ethical communication across platforms. According to him, IMILI will serve as a model for other African nations and position Nigeria as a continental leader in the field of media and information literacy.

‎“The establishment of IMILI,” he said, “not only positions Nigeria as a leading voice in media and information literacy across Africa, but it also aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on integrity, accountability, and public enlightenment.”

‎The Minister emphasized that media and information literacy are crucial tools for strengthening democracy, civic engagement, and peacebuilding in a complex global information environment. He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and resist attempts by foreign or domestic actors to weaponize misinformation and disinformation against the nation’s unity.

Nigerians should join hands together to stop fake narratives about our country,” Idris cautioned.

We all have a responsibility to project the truth and protect Nigeria’s image. Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours.”

‎Reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to advancing media and information literacy as an instrument for truth, national development, and social cohesion, Idris stressed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the spread of fake news and digital propaganda. He noted that sustained investment in public enlightenment and education remains the most effective defence against manipulation and falsehoods in the media space.

‎In his response, Professor Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, expressed the university’s deep appreciation to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation for their confidence and support. He particularly acknowledged the Federal Government’s provision of a ₦250 million grant to support the establishment and takeoff of IMILI.

‎“We are grateful to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for the trust reposed in NOUN,” Peters said.

The International Media and Information Literacy Institute will further consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in global media education and empower citizens with the tools to discern truth, engage responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to national progress.

‎Peters reaffirmed that NOUN possesses the institutional capacity, robust digital infrastructure, and academic expertise to host and sustain the institute effectively. He assured that all structures are already in place to guarantee IMILI’s autonomy, global relevance, and alignment with UNESCO standards.

NOUN is fully prepared for the global accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute, and this recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in education, innovation, and media literacy,” he added.

‎The Vice-Chancellor further reiterated that NOUN’s collaboration with UNESCO and the Federal Government reflects a shared vision of promoting informed citizenship, strengthening democratic institutions, and countering the challenges of misinformation in the 21st century.

‎The International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), once certified, will operate as a regional knowledge hub dedicated to research, training, and advocacy in media literacy, digital ethics, and civic education, serving educators, journalists, policymakers, and students across Africa.