FG assures UNESCO of media institute’s autonomy, long-term viability

By Kunle Sanni

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured UNESCO of the sustainability and autonomy of the Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, which will be established within the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.

Idris gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday when he received the Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, during a courtesy visit to his office.

The Minister stated that while UNESCO’s guidelines require the institute to be affiliated with a university, it will remain autonomous with its own governance structure.

“As you know, UNESCO’s guidelines ensure that the institute is not only operational but also affiliated with a university. However, despite this affiliation, it must function independently, with some level of autonomy. Let me assure UNESCO that there will be full autonomy for the Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute when it fully takes off in Nigeria.

“We are committed to this, and beyond that, we are also putting in place the necessary building blocks to ensure the institute’s corporate sustainability. If we fail to sustain it and meet international standards, UNESCO will have to review our status. I want to assure you that we will meet and uphold all the standards UNESCO has set for the establishment of the institute in Nigeria,” he said.

The Minister further emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the establishment of the institute by providing initial funding to ensure that Nigeria meets all UNESCO’s requirements.

“The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is fully committed, drawing inspiration from the firm commitment of Mr. President. Recall that last year, when this initiative emerged and the need arose for initial funding, the President graciously approved the funds.

“He instructed me to ensure the successful establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute—the first of its kind in the world—right here in Nigeria. This is a significant achievement for our country,” Idris stated.