Initiative launched to boost students’ digital literacy
The Wiki Classroom Initiative, a digital literacy and open-knowledge programme developed by African & Proud and funded by the Wikimedia Foundation, has been launched in Iju-Fagba, Lagos, as part of a nationwide effort to equip secondary school students with skills in information verification and responsible online knowledge creation. The second edition of the programme brought […]
Digital literacy
The Wiki Classroom Initiative, a digital literacy and open-knowledge programme developed by African & Proud and funded by the Wikimedia Foundation, has been launched in Iju-Fagba, Lagos, as part of a nationwide effort to equip secondary school students with skills in information verification and responsible online knowledge creation.
The second edition of the programme brought together students from five schools — Barachel Model College, Providence Heights Secondary School, Imola Comprehensive College, Novel Light High School, and Excellent Leaders Secondary School — for intensive training on sourcing reliable information, understanding notability and contributing factual content to Wikipedia.
Co-founder of African & Proud, Kolawole Oyewole, said the initiative aims to empower young Nigerians to become creators, not just consumers, of credible information. “It is important for them to know that not everything online is reliable, and they must learn how to identify and produce genuine information,” he said. He added that the programme is expanding to other states, including Anambra and Kano.
Students expressed excitement about the training. Timilehin Orioke, a 17-year-old SS3 student, said it taught her the value of verified information. Carissa Eniola, a JSS3 participant, described the session as an eye-opener: “There are things I didn’t imagine I could know until this programme.” Another participant, Alabi Temitope, said she was inspired to “spread knowledge and create more enlightenment.”
President of the Wikimedia Foundation Nigeria, Ambassador Olushola Olaniyan, urged students to understand notability and ensure their contributions rely on independent, credible sources. Project Coordinator for Lagos, Kemi Makinde Ogunseitan, said the training is crucial in a social media–driven era. “We want students to contribute, not just consume information,” she said.
Director of Programs for Wikimedia Nigeria, Ayokanmi Oyoyemi, emphasised the importance of engaging young people early, noting that teachers have also embraced the initiative.
Organisers say the Wiki Classroom Initiative will continue to expand across Lagos and other states, promoting digital literacy, critical thinking and the growth of young Nigerian contributors within the global open-knowledge ecosystem.