The Federal Government has issued a strong appeal to Nigerians to reject false narratives and misinformation that threaten the country’s unity and global reputation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Olufemi Peters, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stressed the urgent need for collective action against fake news and foreign propaganda.
“Nigerians should join hands collectively to stop fake narratives about our country,” Idris declared. “We all have a responsibility to project the truth and Nigeria’s image. Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours.”
The Minister’s remarks were contained in a statement released by his Personal Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Idris reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing media and information literacy as a strategic tool for promoting truth, unity, and national development. He warned that the spread of misinformation poses serious risks to peace and cohesion, and called for a united front in countering its influence.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to advancing media and information literacy as a tool for promoting truth, unity, and national development,” he said.
He commended NOUN for its leadership in open and distance learning, and for its role in hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s voice in global media education.
“IMILI is not only an educational initiative, but also a strategic national investment in truth, literacy and civic enlightenment,” Idris noted.
He revealed that the certification of IMILI will take place in November 2025 at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
“My Ministry is committed to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of IMILI at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand,” he added.
According to Idris, the Institute’s core objective is to promote responsible media practices and elevate Nigeria’s standing in global information literacy.
“The establishment of IMILI not only positions Nigeria as a leading voice in media and information literacy across Africa, but the grand initiative aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes integrity, accountability, and public enlightenment,” he said.
In his response, Professor Peters expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry for entrusting NOUN with the responsibility of hosting IMILI. He acknowledged the Federal Government’s support, including a ₦250 million grant to facilitate the Institute’s development.
“NOUN is fully prepared for the global accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Category Two Institute, and this recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in education and media literacy,” Peters affirmed.
He assured the Minister of NOUN’s institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and academic expertise to sustain the Institute, adding that structures were already in place to guarantee its autonomy and international relevance.
