NITDA Commends CAL-MAJ Foundation for Expanding Digital Access in Kogi Community

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended the CAL-MAJ Foundation for its innovative Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA) initiative that has transformed learning in an underserved community in Kogi State and called for deeper collaboration to scale digital skills across Nigeria.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the Executive Director of the CAL-MAJ Foundation, Ms. Faith Ayegba, and her delegation to NITDA Headquarters in Abuja.

According to NITDA, the Foundation’s intervention has significantly improved access to digital education in Unity-Okpogo, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The project dates back to 2017 when the CAL-MAJ Foundation partnered with NITDA to establish a Knowledge Access Centre at the Unity Community Academy. The facility provides computers, internet connectivity and digital learning resources, enabling students to acquire digital skills and improve their educational outcomes.

Speaking during the visit, Ms. Ayegba said the Foundation has so far supported more than 1,000 children with access to basic education through the initiative.

She also shared the story of one beneficiary, John Opioda Joseph, who transitioned from the community school to the University of Maiduguri after gaining computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word. According to her, the digital skills acquired through the programme helped improve his academic performance and opened up new opportunities.

Ms. Ayegba described the intervention as a game-changer for a community that still faces challenges such as limited access to basic infrastructure, including functional water systems.

She urged NITDA to strengthen the partnership by advancing initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital government and community ICT programmes as part of the agency’s broader digital economy agenda.

Responding, NITDA’s Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Development, Mr. Olawumi Olatunji, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding digital inclusion under the National Digital Literacy Framework.

He welcomed the Foundation’s proposal and recommended further engagement with relevant stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration on training, curriculum development and community-based digital literacy programmes.

However, Olatunji noted that funding constraints remain a major challenge in sustaining internet connectivity for more than 500 connected institutions nationwide, stressing that documented evidence of project impact would help attract future support.

He added that the partnership between NITDA and the CAL-MAJ Foundation highlights the critical role of public-private collaboration in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and expanding access to technology, particularly in underserved rural communities.