University of The Bahamas Helping to Increase Digital Literacy Through DigiLearn Bahamas

29^th September 2025

University of The Bahamas Helping to Increase Digital Literacy Through DigiLearn Bahamas

Through the DigiLearn Bahamas project, University of The Bahamas (UB) will be equipping citizens across The Bahamas – from 18-year-olds to senior citizens – and small business owners with the digital skills to thrive in a modern world, where knowledge of and access to devices, software and the internet have become the norm.

The project is a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Inter-American Development Bank, UB, and the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI). BTVI is also offering digital courses across the archipelago.

At the launch event held on Thursday 25^th September, UB’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Maria Woodside-Oriakhi, described the initiative as a step towards inclusivity. Over the next 18 months, UB will be offering an assortment of free courses, ranging from Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel, to Digital Communications, and Introduction to Coding.

“This is not a Nassau-centric initiative. It is a Bahamas-wide effort to ensure that the benefits of digital learning reach every corner of our archipelago. From Mayaguana to Inagua, Bimini to Cat Island, we intend to reach those who are often furthest from access but closest to the need,” said Dr. Woodside-Oriakhi.

In this way, UB is fulfilling a key pillar of its mission which is to extend access to higher education.

DigiLearn Bahamas came about through funding from the IDB. The aim is to enhance digital literacy for thousands of Bahamians, enabling them to learn new skills, participate in economic growth, access online government services, and contribute to national development.

Dr. Woodside-Oriakhi painted a vivid picture of the initiative’s reach.

“We want the taxi driver learning to track expenses, the grandmother learning to use online banking, the 12th grader refining their resume, and the entrepreneur building a website to all find something of value in DigiLearn,” she added.

In a pre-recorded video message, Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis said the world is changing at a pace unlike anything we have ever known with new tools, systems and ways of doing business being introduced daily. DigiLearn Bahamas will reach more than 7,000 Bahamians, he added.

“Access to opportunities must never be limited by geography or income, only by the will to learn, earn the grow,” said Prime Minister Davis. “This programme is a part of a larger national campaign to ensure Bahamians are equipped for the realities of today’s economy.”

Similarly, Minister of Economic Affairs Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis expressed confidence in the project’s anticipated effect on society.

“We are laying the foundation for a society that is dynamic, flexible and rewarding for those who seek knowledge. DigiLearn is not only about ICT skills training, it is about creating a culture that shuns mediocrity and embraces innovation,” Senator Halkitis said.

Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin focused on the transformative impact.

“Together, we are ensuring that no Bahamian is left behind in the digital revolution,” said Minister Hanna-Martin. “We are investing in our human capital, strengthening our communities and preparing our nation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. Let us embrace this moment as a turning point.”

President of BTVI Dr. Linda Davis said all Bahamians deserve the opportunity to increase their digital skills.

“BTVI is therefore pleased to be a part of this national initiative that begins here in New Providence, in Grand Bahama and Eleuthera, and is closing gaps, bridging divides and leveling the playing field across our archipelago as we create viable pathways towards sustainable careers for our people,” Dr. Davis said.

IDB Representative for The Bahamas Shirley Gayle stressed the importance of expanding digital literacy and praised the collaboration involving government, academia, and the public and private sectors.

“These partnerships are critical because, for the IDB, we want to ensure that initiatives like this one are nationally owned and locally led and I want to thank both [UB and BTVI] for this collaboration in this very important investment in national development,” she said.

Registration for learning opportunities through DigiLearn Bahamas is via the website digilearnbahamas.gov.bs.

Department of Communications 

University of The Bahamas

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

Oakes Field Campus

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365