NOUN Hosts Symposium to Enhance Media Literacy and Combat Misinformation

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling misinformation and enhancing media literacy among citizens, a crucial step towards fostering a well-informed society.

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) hosted a symposium on Friday, featuring Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who addressed the urgent need for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in today's digital age.

The event, themed "New Digital Frontiers of Information, Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information," was organized in collaboration with the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, NOUN’s Mass Communication Department, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and UNESCO. 

In his address, Idris emphasized that equipping citizens with the skills to discern accurate information from falsehoods is essential for national development. "A well-informed society is a strong and resilient society," he stated, highlighting that MIL encourages responsible media usage and promotes public interest.

Idris called for partnerships among educational institutions, policymakers, and international organizations to combat the pervasive issue of misinformation. He urged Nigerians to adopt a more patriotic approach by showcasing the country's positive attributes instead of focusing solely on its challenges.

NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, underscored the importance of MIL in empowering individuals, particularly the youth, to navigate digital media responsibly. "The digital age presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges," Peters remarked, emphasizing the institution's commitment to promoting digital literacy.

UNESCO’s Abuja representative, Abdoulrahmane Diallo, reiterated the organization's support for Nigeria in its efforts to enhance MIL initiatives, stating, "At UNESCO, we believe that media and information literacy is a fundamental human right." Diallo stressed that MIL fosters critical thinking and social cohesion, essential elements for protecting democratic values.

Guest speaker Ms. Mardia Umar, a media personality from EFCC Radio, shared insights into the current landscape of digital misinformation in Nigeria. She warned that the spread of misinformation threatens national development, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community engagement in countering false narratives.

The symposium concluded with Dr. Lateef Adelakun, head of the Mass Communication Department, urging participants to integrate the insights gained into their daily lives. "We are all ambassadors of information literacy," he said, encouraging attendees to champion a media-literate Nigeria.

As misinformation continues to shape public perception and opinion, the Nigerian government’s renewed focus on media literacy initiatives, particularly through educational institutions like NOUN, represents a critical step in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.