The Federal Government has expressed concern over the rising spread of misinformation and disinformation, calling on Nigerians to improve media literacy as a defence against false narratives in the digital era.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the warning on Thursday at the closing ceremony of a two-day programme marking the launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja.
Report stated that President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the institute on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global efforts to combat misinformation and promote responsible communication.
The institute gained global recognition in November 2025 after UNESCO approved its designation as a Category 2 institute—the first of its kind worldwide—during its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Speaking on the theme “Empowering knowledge societies through media and information literacy in the digital age,” Idris said the ability to critically evaluate and verify information has become essential in today’s fast-changing digital environment driven by Artificial Intelligence.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezughah, the minister stressed that media literacy is now a necessity rather than an option.
“In a world shaped by rapid technological change and the constant flow of information, the ability to think critically, verify facts, and engage responsibly is fundamental to the health of our societies and the strength of our democracies,” he said.
He warned that misinformation carries serious real-world consequences for governance, peace, and national unity.
“The establishment of the institute comes at a time when the world is grappling with misinformation, disinformation, and the erosion of trust in institutions,” he added.
Idris described the institute as an important platform for promoting responsible information use and informed citizenship, noting that its location in Nigeria places the country at the centre of a global information agenda.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with UNESCO and other partners to ensure the institute delivers measurable results.
“As a ministry, we remain fully committed to supporting the institute to achieve its mandate and deliver meaningful outcomes,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Uduma Uduma, described the institute’s creation as a shift from idea to reality, aligning Nigeria with global educational priorities.
He noted that the digital age has created what he called an “epistemic paradox,” where access to information has grown without a corresponding improvement in understanding.
“Media and information literacy is no longer an academic accessory; it is essential for responsible existence in today’s world,” he said.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, also warned that misinformation poses a major threat to national security and unity, reiterating his call for social media regulation, which he said should not be mistaken for censorship.
Director of the institute, Sharon Omotosho, outlined plans to develop the centre into a global hub for research, policy, and collaboration.
She said the institute will focus on research, training, advocacy, and partnerships aimed at building a more informed global society.
Omotosho added that it would also function as an observatory for monitoring information trends and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
