President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a major step in tackling misinformation and strengthening responsible communication.

The institute, the first of its kind globally under UNESCO Category 2 framework, was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president said the establishment of IMILI reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge of false information in an era of rapid digital communication.

“This is a historic moment, not only for Nigeria and Africa, but for the global community.

“Today, we open the first UNESCO Category 2 Institute for Media and Information Literacy anywhere in the world, at a time when the need for it has never been greater,” he said.

Tinubu traced the origin of the initiative to Nigeria’s hosting of the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy Week in 2022, noting that the country had fulfilled its pledge to establish the institute.

He said the project received global backing, including unanimous approval by all UNESCO member states at the organisation’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand.

The president warned that misinformation, disinformation and hate speech pose serious threats to social cohesion and democratic institutions.

“Misinformation spreads rapidly. Disinformation is used to divide communities and weaken institutions. Hate speech fuels conflict. The line between fact and falsehood is increasingly blurred,” he said, adding that media and information literacy has become essential in navigating modern information systems.

He assured that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support for the institute, including funding and institutional backing through the National Open University of Nigeria, where IMILI will be domiciled.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the institute positions Nigeria as a leader in promoting informed citizenship and protecting information integrity.

He described IMILI as a global hub that will drive research, capacity building and policy dialogue in media literacy.

“The establishment of IMILI places Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to build resilient knowledge systems and encourage critical engagement with the digital environment,” he said.

The minister added that the institute would serve a broad community of stakeholders, including educators, journalists, policymakers and young people across the world.