Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on young people to embrace information literacy as an essential skill for distinguishing between genuine news and misinformation or disinformation.
He made the appeal in Abuja during the TEDxNTIC Youth Passion event, organised by Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC). Idris emphasised the importance of early education in responsible digital citizenship, warning of the dangers posed by unchecked information in the digital age.
“It is commendable to have a passion for journalism or citizen journalism, and we must support young people pursuing such paths. However, they must also develop media and information literacy,” he said. “This is the only tool that enables one to discern between fake and real news, between misinformation and authentic information. Social media, while a powerful unifier, can also be a tool of destruction depending on how it is used.”
Idris urged young Nigerians to use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and X responsibly, as tools for promoting unity and national development, rather than discord.
Reflecting on the challenges brought about by the digital revolution, the Minister lamented the rise of misinformation. “Despite the benefits of new media, it has created significant problems for our information ecosystem. The emergence of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation is one of the greatest threats we now face,” he noted.
To counter these challenges, Idris said he is using his position to advocate for change. “We introduced a five-pillar strategy to reform Nigeria’s media and information landscape, aimed at combating the spread of false information.”
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Speaking on the event’s theme, Passion, the Minister shared his personal story—how he overcame early obstacles to become the government’s chief spokesperson. He urged young people to remain committed to their dreams, even when opportunities seem out of reach.
“Today, I am not just a broadcaster, I am Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation. At 16, I was denied entry into a studio, but today, I oversee Nigeria’s entire communication ecosystem. Your passion can take time to materialise, but it is never too late,” he said.
Idris also revealed that Nigeria is set to launch a UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute, the first of its kind globally, to be based in Abuja. The institute is expected to commence operations in November 2025, offering training in critical digital skills for Nigerians and other international participants.
“Media and information literacy should accompany education. It’s not just about using microphones, laptops or smartphones to say anything, we must be responsible with information,” he added.
The Managing Director of NTIC, Dr Fevzullah Bilgin, said the TEDx programme was aimed at inspiring innovation and creativity among youth. “At NTIC, we are committed to nurturing leadership, diplomacy, and communication skills. Words are powerful—they can unite, resolve, and lead change,” he said.
TEDxNTIC Abuja Youth is designed to ignite ideas that inform, inspire, and empower young minds to take meaningful action in their communities.
