WORLD LITERACY DAY 2025: FCT ERC URGES COLLECTIVE ACTION TO BRIDGE DIGITAL GAP.

By: Odugbo Sarah

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Resource Centre (ERC), through the activities of the City Library, has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 World Literacy Day, with a call for stronger collective action to bridge the digital literacy gap in Nigeria and beyond.

Representing the Director, Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, at the City Library commemoration, Mr. Friday Bere, Director of Community Services and Entrepreneurship Division, noted that while the digital revolution has expanded access to knowledge, it has also deepened inequalities. He stressed that the Centre’s task is to ensure that every citizen, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to become not just literate, but digitally literate.

Mr. Bere highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at bridging this gap, adding that the FCT City Library has been repositioned as a vibrant community hub providing resources, training and support for lifelong learning. He explained that efforts include expanding digital collections, introducing basic computer and internet skills workshops, and forging partnerships with both local and international organizations to close the digital divide. Recognizing the role of young people as the future of the nation, he emphasized that digital literacy is essential for academic achievement, employability and responsible citizenship, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to support a culture of reading, creativity, and digital exploration among children and youth.

In her remarks, the Guest Speaker, Mrs. Nwofor Nkiruka, Principal of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Apo, said reading should lead to critical thinking that positively impacts both the reader and society. Adding that no knowledge is wasted. She highlighted the role of literacy in advancing education, empowerment, and sustainable development, while calling on students to acquire not just the basic ability to read and write, but also the skills required to navigate, understand and responsibly engage with information in an increasingly digitalized world. According to her, reading helps shape young minds toward a better tomorrow.

Also contributing, an Educator, Dr. M. S. Abubakar, urged students to impact their generation by being diligent and disciplined, stressing that this will lead to excellence in their lives. He illustrated his point by reading from the book Life Principles for Greatness, which draws from the life of General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd.), to inspire the students.

The students expressed gratitude to the organizers for bringing the program to the forefront, noting that the insights shared had motivated them to apply the advice in their daily lives.

The 2025 commemoration by the City Library featured reading and interactive sessions, a question-and-answer segment with students, goodwill messages, and cultural presentations. In her goodwill message, the Head of Administration, FCT ERC, Mrs. Joan Abdullahi, encouraged students to continue to imbibe the culture of reading to share knowledge and add value to themselves.