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The Students’ Media and Information Literacy Club (SMILC) is a youth-led initiative dedicated to equipping students and young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for ethical and responsible engagement with media and information platforms.
In 2019 at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, SMILC emerged from a shared vision between its co-founders, Josiah and Korede, who were inspired while taking the course POS 353: Media and the State, taught by Professor Atuiaje Irene Pogoson in the Department of Political Science.
Motivated by the power of media to shape societies, they committed to helping young people navigate today’s complex information landscape with integrity and discernment. The first university chapter of SMILC started in December 2021 at the University of Ibadan.
To equip students and young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for ethical, responsible, and informed use of media through training, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
To promote a generation of ethically conscious and media-literate citizens who engage constructively with information and communication platforms to drive positive societal change.
Upholding truth and transparency in all media-related engagements.
Encouraging independent, informed, and reflective judgment.
Building partnerships for greater impact.
Promoting active participation in democratic and community life
Ensuring equal access to media literacy opportunities for all.
Adopting creative approaches to teaching and applying media literacy.
We provide hands-on training, host workshops, and run advocacy campaigns to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in schools, universities, and the broader community.
Our initiatives include capacity-building programs, interactive discussions, and collaborative projects with local and international partners. As a proud member of UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Alliance, SMILC contributes to global efforts in building informed, resilient, and empowered societies.
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Since its inception, SMILC has reached hundreds of students and young people through training programs, seminars, and community engagement projects. By equipping participants with tools to identify misinformation, analyze media messages, and use media ethically, we are cultivating informed citizens who are ready to lead change in their communities.
Students' Media and Information Literacy Club (SMILC) is a student-led initiative focused on equipping young people with the skills to critically engage with media, identify misinformation, and responsibly use information technologies. Rooted in the principles of UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) framework, the club promotes digital responsibility, ethical communication, and informed civic participation.
Yes. SMILC aligns with UNESCO's global Media and Information Literacy initiatives, and our programs are designed around UNESCO’s five MIL competencies. While not a direct subsidiary of UNESCO, we collaborate with UNESCO-inspired networks and frameworks to promote media literacy, especially among students and young adults.
Any student or young adult passionate about media literacy, digital safety, critical thinking, or civic education can join SMILC. Members gain access to exclusive trainings, workshops, outreach opportunities, and national/international MIL events. It’s also a platform to amplify your voice on digital issues affecting your community.
SMILC organizes periodic outreaches, campus campaigns, interactive colloquia, and online awareness drives. These events cover topics such as combating fake news, digital well-being, ethical online behavior, and evaluating online sources—reaching nearly a thousand young people in just over four years.
We welcome partnerships with educational institutions, civil society groups, and government agencies to promote media and information literacy. Interested parties can reach out via our official social media platforms or email to initiate collaboration on tailored MIL programs or co-hosted events..
C0 Founder & Executive Director
Co Founder & Director of Education
Administrative Officer
Programs Director
Head Legal
Communications Associate