•Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad
The federal government is conducting a comprehensive mapping to identify those who are out of school or non-literate citizens across the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, announced this yesterday in Abuja.
She noted that with accurate data obtained from the exercise, the government would be able to enrol millions of Nigerians into literacy programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering, reports The Nation.
Ahmad spoke at a ministerial media briefing to mark the 58th International Literacy Day with the theme: Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era.
She said: “As a nation, we recognise that literacy is the foundation of development. That is why the Federal Ministry of Education, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking bold steps to expand access to literacy for all Nigerians, especially our youths and adults aged 15 and above.
“Right now, across the country, we are conducting a comprehensive mapping to identify those who are out of school or non-literates. With this data, we will be able to enrol millions into literacy programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering.
“We are also embracing the digital age. From mobile learning platforms to radio and television programmes, we are using technology to reach learners wherever they are – in cities, villages, IDP camps, and remote communities. We are working with partners to adapt proven models, like Cuba’s ‘Yes, I Can’, to our local context, ensuring that literacy is not just taught but lived.”
The minister explained what the government aimed to achieve with the mapping, saying: “Our goal is clear: to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which calls for all youths and a substantial proportion of adults to achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030. This is not just a global target; it is a national priority. And it is fully aligned with our Ministerial Strategic Plan, which places education at the heart of Nigeria’s transformation.
“We are training facilitators, developing culturally relevant materials, and building community learning centres. But more than that, we are building hope, hoping that every Nigerian, regardless of age or background, can learn, grow, and thrive.”
The minister urged development partners, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, and the private sector to join the initiative to achieve its goals.
“Literacy is not just the responsibility of a government; it is a shared mission. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen has the tools to succeed in a digital world,” the minister added.
The acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr. John Onimisi, announced that the agency had enrolled over 27,000 youth and adult learners, aged 15 and above, into literacy and empowerment programmes in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He said: “These learners come from vibrant communities, like Apo Mechanic Village, Karonmajigi, Lugbe, Dogongada, Apo Resettlement, Gwarinpa, Kubwa Village, Mararaba, Kurudu, and Gwagwalada. We set out with a modest goal and we have already surpassed it. But we are not stopping here.
“In the days ahead, we’ll be expanding this initiative to 377 local government areas across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Through our 17 community learning centres, we are going to reach thousands more. In all, we are embracing digital tools, such as radio, TV, and mobile apps, to make learning more accessible, more flexible, and more relevant to people’s lives.”
The acting Head of Sector Education at UNESCO, Oladeji Adeyemi, said the organisation was committed to supporting the federal government’s efforts to create an education system that is accessible and equitable as well as resilient and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.
