The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to come together in combating false narratives, misinformation, and foreign attempts to weaken the nation’s unity. He made the appeal during a visit from a delegation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Peters.
Speaking in Abuja, Idris emphasized the collective responsibility of Nigerians to reject fake news and promote the country’s true image. “Misinformation has the power to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours,” he said. He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu, to advancing media and information literacy as essential tools for fostering national unity, truth, and development.
The Minister praised NOUN for its dedication to open and distance learning, as well as its role in hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI). He announced that certification for IMILI is expected in November 2025 at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Describing IMILI as both an educational initiative and a strategic investment in truth and civic enlightenment, Idris highlighted his Ministry’s collaboration with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of the institute at the upcoming UNESCO conference.
“The objective of IMILI is to promote responsible media practices and enhance Nigeria’s global standing as a leader in information literacy,” he said. “This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and public enlightenment.”
Vice Chancellor Peters expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and the Federal Government for entrusting NOUN with the hosting of IMILI. He acknowledged the ₦250 million grant provided to support the institute’s development and pledged NOUN’s full commitment to ensuring IMILI’s success and international recognition.
Peters also assured that NOUN possesses the institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and academic expertise needed to sustain the institute, with structures in place to guarantee its autonomy and global relevance. “NOUN is fully prepared for IMILI’s accreditation as a UNESCO Category Two Institute, which will further elevate Nigeria’s reputation in education and media literacy,” he stated.