Nigeria has earned global recognition as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) clinched a major award at the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva. The Commission’s Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) emerged winner in the Access to Information and Knowledge category, beating out hundreds of entries from around the world.
The DAP project, which has provided computers and internet access to over 300 secondary schools across Nigeria since 2006, was voted the best in its category—earning the country a top spot at the prestigious WSIS Prizes Ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the win as a validation of Nigeria’s commitment to digital equity.
“This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward,” Maida said. “Investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development.”
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida at WSIS
The WSIS Prizes highlight global projects that use technology to solve real problems and promote sustainable development. For Nigeria, the DAP is more than just a school project—it’s a lifeline that gives thousands of students access to knowledge, new skills, and a better future.
Other Nigerian initiatives also received praise at the event, including the Women Techsters, ADEPTI, and Telecom-Based Research Grants. Though they didn’t win, they were honored for their meaningful contributions to digital growth.
The WSIS Forum is a United Nations-led platform that brings together leaders from across the world to tackle digital challenges and promote the use of ICTs for development. For Nigeria, this latest win is a strong signal that its efforts to bridge the digital gap are not just working—they’re being noticed globally.
