At the General Policy Debate of the 222nd Session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held on 6 October 2025, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, H.E. Dr. Hajo Sani, OON, delivered Nigeria’s national statement reaffirming the country’s commitment to UNESCO’s mission in Education, Science, Culture, and Communication.
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, Ambassador Hajo Sani, OON, aligned the country’s priorities with UNESCO’s mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. She outlined ongoing national initiatives, including the National Digital Learning Programme for Basic Education, the National Centre for Climate Innovation and Resilience, and the Heritage Alive Initiative, emphasizing Nigeria’s efforts to extend educational access, promote innovation, and safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
A key highlight of her statement was the announcement of the successful feasibility study for the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Nigeria as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre. The proposed institute aims to enhance global capacity-building, research, and cooperation in media and information literacy, empowering societies to combat disinformation and promote digital inclusion.
Dr. Hajo Sani, also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa, Gender Equality, and Youth programmes, while advocating for a realistic and sustainable budget that ensures efficiency and equity among Member States. She further emphasized Nigeria’s support for the renewal of its two existing Category 2 Centres, the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) and the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management (RC-IRBM).
In conclusion, Ambassador Sani commended the Chairperson of the Board and the Director-General for their leadership and reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to work collaboratively with all Member States to strengthen UNESCO’s role as a beacon of cooperation, solidarity, and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
