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The Federal Government has pledged to expand access to literacy for millions of Nigerians, particularly youth and adults aged 15 and above, as part of efforts to meet global education goals.
Speaking at the 2025 International Literacy Day Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the theme, “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era,” underscores the urgency of equipping citizens with skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Prof. Ahmad disclosed that the ministry is conducting a nationwide mapping exercise to identify out-of-school and non-literate individuals, with plans to enroll millions into inclusive literacy programmes.
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She noted that mobile learning platforms, radio, and television are being deployed to reach learners in cities, villages, IDP camps, and remote communities. She also revealed that models like Cuba’s “Yes, I Can” are being adapted to Nigeria’s context.
Previous administrations paid lip service to reforms – Shettima Power outages in health sector no longer acceptable – Tinubu UNESCO Nigeria described literacy as “a fundamental human right and a catalyst for sustainable development, peace, and inclusion.”
It commended Nigeria’s efforts, citing the FastTrack programme by AREAi, winner of the 2024 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, as “a shining example of creative solutions to complex challenges.”
Also speaking, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr. John Edeh Onimisi, said the commission had already surpassed its digital enrollment target in Abuja Municipal Area Council.
“We set out to enroll 3,876 learners. As of this morning, over 27,000 youth and adults have been enrolled,” he said.
He added that the initiative would be scaled up across 377 LGAs, using 17 community learning centres and digital tools such as mobile apps, radio, and TV.
“Together, we’re not just promoting literacy-we are changing lives,” Onimisi stated.
Source: DailyTrust | Read the Full Story…
