OPTIMIZING DIGITAL LITERACY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of digital literacy on Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Exploratory design was adopted for the study in which qualitative data was obtained through in-depth review of relevant literature and the researcher’s personal observation of the scenario. The literature revealed that the poor state of Nigeria’s economy is a factor that is responsible for digital illiteracy in Nigeria; the state of infrastructures such as ICTs and digital literacy skills is a serious impediment to digital literacy in Nigeria; inadequate funding of libraries in Nigeria is affecting provision of ICTs and encouraging digital illiteracy, library services are very significant in digital literacy and sustainable development in Nigeria. Inadequate access to computer and internet connectivity could undermine digital literacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Based on this, the paper made some recommendations including: the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria should show seriousness in addressing the infrastructural problems impeding digital literacy and sustainable development in Nigeria; Federal and State Governments in Nigeria should partner with the private sector in ensuring that the necessary infrastructures that will facilitate digital literacy and sustainable development are provided; the private sector should assist public libraries with ICT facilities that will enable them acquire ICT literacy skills and enhance digital literacy for sustainable development in Nigeria. The position of the paper is that libraries are key actors in the attainment of the SDGs and that the different types of libraries irrespective of nomenclature have a place in the 2030 agenda.