Information minister Mohammed Idris has called on Nigerians to unite against false narratives, contrived misinformation, and foreign interests to undermine the nation’s unity.

Idris made the call when a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria, led by its vice-chancellor, Olufemi Peters, visited him, according to a statement on Wednesday.

“Nigerians should join hands collectively to stop fake narratives about our country. We all have a responsibility to project the truth and Nigeria’s image. Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours.

“Nigeria and the federal government under President Bola Tinubu are committed to advancing media and information literacy as a tool for promoting truth, unity, and national development,” Mr Idris said.

The minister reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the spread of fake news and misinformation, noting that false narratives have far-reaching consequences on national unity, peace, and the nation’s image.

He praised the NOUN for what he described as its excellence in promoting open distance learning and commitment to hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute. He added that the certification for the IMILI would be done in November 2025, at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Mr Peters commended the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for entrusting it with the responsibility of hosting IMILI. He acknowledged the minister’s support and the federal government’s provision of a ₦250 million grant to facilitate the Institute’s development.

He described the Institute as capable of strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in global media education and pledged the full commitment of the NOUN to the success and international recognition of IMILI.

(NAN)