With recent technologies in the health, industrial and other sectors, it is right to say the world has gone digital. The technological advancements made in this 21st century have affected several sectors positively, including schools, to be precise.
For some reason, I still don’t know why this debate topic came up for discussion or validation by so many people, because most people living in the 21st century have gone digital, and it has affected their lives in a positive way.
My position on this topic remains: Yes, digital literacy should be made compulsory in secondary schools in Nigeria, and I will be backing it up with 10 solid points below.
Read Also: Is Social Media More Harmful Than Beneficial To Nigerian Youth? (10 Debate Points)
10 Debate Points on Should Digital Literacy Be Made Compulsory In Secondary Schools In Nigeria
1. Better Future Job Opportunities
If digital literacy becomes compulsory in Nigerian secondary schools, it will open more job opportunities for us in the future. Right now, most companies use computers and technology. If we don’t learn it now, we will be left behind.
Technology is ruling the world already. Even small businesses now use computers and smartphones to manage things. If we learn digital skills early, we can fit into future careers easily.
To be very honest, people who don’t know computers will suffer to get jobs later. So it is better we learn these things early instead of waiting till university or NYSC.
2. Helps Students Learn Faster
Digital literacy will help us learn faster because we will use online materials like videos, e-books, and educational platforms. Sometimes teachers may not explain everything perfectly, but online resources help us understand better.
We live in a digital world where information is everywhere. If we know how to use computers, we can research any topic and improve our knowledge beyond the classroom.
Instead of depending only on textbooks, digital learning gives us wider knowledge and makes learning enjoyable and easier.
3. Prepares Nigeria for Global Competition
If Nigeria wants to compete with other top countries, we must start by training our students with digital skills. Countries like China, the UK, and the USA teach technology early in school.
We should not wait until we are older before learning modern skills. The world does not wait for anybody, and technology keeps advancing every day.
As youths of the country, we must be prepared so Nigeria will not be left behind in the department of development and innovation.
4. Reduces Cybercrime Through Proper Education
Many young Nigerians fall into cybercrime because they learn technology the wrong way. But if we are taught digital skills responsibly in school, it will guide us to use computers for positive things.
Instead of people learning bad acts online, schools can teach us cyber-safety and responsible internet use. We will know what is right and what is wrong online.
This will reduce internet fraud and help Nigeria build a better image globally.
5. Encourages Online Entrepreneurship
Today, many youths are making money online through blogging, digital marketing, graphic design and freelancing. If digital literacy is compulsory, more of us can learn these skills early.
Instead of depending on government jobs, we will be able to create jobs for ourselves. The earlier we start learning digital skills, the better our future will be.
So, digital literacy can reduce unemployment in Nigeria and help many young people become financially independent.
6. Helps Students Communicate Better
Digital literacy teaches us how to use email, online forms, and communication platforms. These things are now part of everyday life worldwide.
If students understand digital tools, we can express ideas better, work in teams online, and communicate confidently in the global world.
These digital skills are important to the students because even university admission and scholarship applications are done online now.
7. Improves Access To Global Opportunities
Many scholarships, competitions, and academic programs are online. If we are digitally literate, we can apply and benefit from them. Teaching digital skills in schools ensures every student has equal access to global opportunities.
Some students miss international opportunities simply because they cannot use a computer or fill out online applications. That is not fair to us.
8. Encourages Innovation And Creativity
Digital literacy helps us create new things like apps, websites, videos, and designs. It allows students to think outside the box.
Nigeria needs more young innovators who can solve problems with technology. If we start learning early, we can develop great tech ideas. Innovation starts from school, so having digital education is necessary to train creative minds.
9. Makes Learning More Interesting
Digital learning tools like animations, simulations, and educational games make learning fun. Instead of boring blackboard teaching all the time, computers make learning enjoyable.
When students enjoy learning, they understand better and even remember what they learnt easily. It also keeps us motivated. Compulsory digital literacy will make classes more interactive and exciting.
10. Helps Teachers And Students Stay Updated
Digital literacy not only helps students; it helps teachers, too. Teachers can access new teaching materials and updated information.
Education is changing every day. Without digital knowledge, teachers and students will be stuck with old methods and old knowledge. So, teaching digital literacy keeps everyone current and modern in their thinking and learning.
Conclusion
Lastly, when students know how to use computers and technology, we feel confident. We don’t always need someone to help us when faced with digital tasks.
Confidence is important in school and in life. When you know how to navigate the digital world, you become independent and capable.
Alas, I believe that we all have come to an agreement that Digital literacy empowers students to take charge of their learning and future, unlike the manual way of learning. Thanks for
