Plateau State Named "Most Digitally Innovative State" at UN-SDG Youths Conference

Plateau State has been honored with the title of "Most Digitally Innovative State" by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Youths. This prestigious award was presented on August 29th, 2024, during the First Nigeria Tertiary Institutions Conference on Sustainable Development Goals, held at the National University Commission (NUC) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) conference halls in Abuja.

The accolade recognizes Plateau State’s significant achievements in leveraging digital innovation to advance sustainable development. Professor (Assoc.) Goselle Obed Nanjul, Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, accepted the award on behalf of His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State.

Governor Mutfwang’s administration has been commended for its commitment to fostering digital strategies aimed at achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as e-governance and e-learning. This recognition underscores the state’s leadership in integrating technology to promote progress and improve educational outcomes.

The three-day conference, which took place from August 26th to 29th, 2024, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Mr. Kim Ju Yong, Secretary General of SDG Youth International Headquarters in Korea; Dr. Lee Mi Jung, Division Head-GPDI-Korea; and representatives from various national and international educational and development institutions. Notable attendees included Professor Tahir Mamman, Honourable Minister of Education; Dr. Jamila Blo Ibrahim, Honourable Minister of Youth Development; and Mr. Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the National University Commission.

The event served as a platform to discuss the critical role of technology in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on Quality Education. Plateau State’s award highlights the transformative impact of digital advancements in driving progress towards these goals and enhances the state’s visibility on a global stage.

In his address, Mr. Uzoh Ifeanyi, Nigeria/African Representative for SDG Youth International, expressed gratitude to all participants and the various MDAs that partnered in hosting the inaugural conference in Nigeria.

Professor (Assoc.) Goselle Obed Nanjul also served as a guest speaker at the event, discussing "Leveraging Technology and Digital Resources in Tertiary Education to Support SDG 4 in Nigeria." His insights emphasized the benefits of technological tools and digital resources in enhancing educational outputs and the need for public-private partnerships and supportive government policies.

In his remarks on the award night, Professor Nanjul expressed deep appreciation to the UN SDG Youths for recognizing Plateau State's efforts in delivering quality education through digital innovation. He reaffirmed Governor Caleb Mutfwang's commitment to advancing the digital innovation agenda and highlighted the collaborative efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society in promoting sustainable development.

The "Most Digitally Innovative State" award not only celebrates Plateau State’s past achievements but also underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering an innovation-driven economy. This recognition is a testament to the significant contributions of Professor (Assoc.) Goselle Obed Nanjul and the Plateau State Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

As Plateau State continues to lead in digital transformation, it sets a powerful example for other states, demonstrating that technology and innovation are essential drivers of sustainable progress in Nigeria.