Promoting Sustainable Development through Digital Literacy: The Transformative Role of Youth Mentorship in Igbaja, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the critical role of digital literacy in education, employment, and socio-economic development, rural areas like Igbaja face significant barriers, including limited access to technology, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of trained mentors. Therefore, through a structured mentorship programme, this action research evaluated and enhanced digital literacy among youth in Igbaja, a rural community in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining survey and a quasi-experimental mentorship intervention to assess digital literacy levels, identify challenges, and measure the impact of mentorship. Findings reveal that while the participants exhibited proficiency in using smartphones and social media, they lacked foundational digital skills such as Microsoft Office applications, email management, and online safety. The mentorship programme significantly improved the participants' digital literacy, with 97.1% reporting enhanced knowledge and 92.6% acquiring new skills. Key barriers identified include limited device access (60.3%), insufficient skills (14.7%), and poor internet connectivity (13.2%). The study concludes that mentorship is an effective strategy for bridging the digital divide in rural communities and thus enhancing inclusive and sustainable development. Recommendations include integrating practical digital skills into school curricula, and establishing community digital hubs to sustain literacy gains. This research contributes to policy and practice by offering a scalable model for digital empowerment aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11.