MILID Foundation and Gabinete de Comunicación y Educación (Office of Communication and Education) of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, have signed an MOU to promote media and information literacy (MIL) and intercultural dialogue in Africa.

The agreement, which takes effect from April 1, 2025, defines the commitment and intention of both organizations to corporate on promoting media and information literacy and intercultural dialogue in Africa

In appreciation of the role media and information literacy plays in the promotion of democracy, intercultural dialogue and active global citizenship, Gabinete and MILID Foundation will set up a Media & Information Literacy Observatory (MILO) in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to the Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director of MILID Foundation, MILO Nigeria will build on the broad objectives and vision of both organisations which include the promotion of media, information, digital and film literacy, media education, intercultural dialogue, young journalists and global young reporters projects, etc., but specifically be a media and digital hub for teachers, students, social media activists, bloggers, researchers, young journalists, youth and youth-led organisations and all those interested in understanding the use and impact of media and information as well as social and digital media in Africa.

The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation) is a non-governmental organisation that works on research, education, and participation around media and information literacy. Its focus is media and information literacy (MIL) for all and to be a global voice in efforts to diffuse media and information literacy at all levels of the formal and informal education systems and advocate the same in media and information production practices to promote actions aimed at encouraging citizen participation for development. 

Gabinete was set up by the Governing Board of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in 1994 as a consolidated and specialized group in scientific research and dissemination, which belongs to the Department of Journalism and Communication Sciences of the UAB. It was launched with the objective of promoting research in a field of convergence between two disciplines: Communication and Education. Since its creation, it has developed initiatives aimed at integrating, with conscience and freedom, new communication technologies in the so-called global or knowledge society.

Gabinete director, Prof. José Manuel Pérez Tornero, said the centre will support MILID Foundation in attaining the goals of MILO Nigeria through various means, including working with other stakeholders like to UNESCO; UNAOC; UNITWIN and Mentor Association.

MILO Nigeria, will focus on five broad areas: Media & information literacy training for teachers and students, youth and youth-led organisations; research and advocacy on media & information literacy; a clearing house for global young journalists/reporters on media & information literacy and intercultural dialogue; publications on media & information literacy and intercultural dialogue; and media/communication/journalism students exchange programme for Gabinete Summer School.

The partnership will be will be for an initial period of five years and renewable on the terms agreed to by both parties.