The Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive data mapping of out-of-school children and non-literate youth and adults while reaffirming commitment to expand access to literacy for all Nigerians especially youth and adults aged 15 and above.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad made this known on Monday during a news conference to mark the 2025 International Literacy Day with the theme: “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era”.
She disclosed that while the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) is conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise on the non-literate youth and adults, the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School-Children (NCAOOSC) is looking at out-of-school across states of the Federation.
Ahmad noted that the Federal Government’s goal is clear: “to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.6, which calls for all youth and a substantial proportion of adults to achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030”.
“Right now, across the country, we are conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise to identify those who are out of school or non-literate. With this data, we will be able to enrol millions into literacy programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering,” she said.
Ahmad described the theme of the 58th International Literacy Day, “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era,” as apt, saying it speaks directly to the moment in a time when the ability to read, write, and engage digitally is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
“As a nation, we recognize that literacy is the foundation of development, this 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 youth and adults aged 15 and above,” she stated.
According to her, the Ministry of Education has embraced the digital age, noting that from mobile learning platforms to radio and television programmes, the Ministry is using technology to reach learners wherever they are in cities, villages, Internally Displaced Peoples Camps (IDPs) and remote communities.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has revealed that it has enrolled over 27,000 youth and adult learners, aged 15 and above, into literacy and empowerment programmes with the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Edeh Onimisi speaking at the event, noted that the initial target for digital enrolment for youth and adult of 15years above, for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) was 3,876 learners.
He, however, disclosed that target as of Monday morning, the Commission has enrolled over 27,000 youth and adult learners, aged 15 and above, into literacy and empowerment programmes.
He revealed that in the days ahead the Commission would be expanding the initiative to 377 Local Government Areas across all 36 states, adding that through the 17 community learning centres more thousands would be reached
“In all, we are embracing digital tools such as radio, TV, mobile apps to make learning more accessible, more flexible, and more relevant to people’s lives,” he stated.
Acting Head of Education Sector, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organizstion (UNESCO), Oladeji Adeyemi, reaffirmed commitment and dedication UNESCO towards supporting the Federal government’s efforts to create an education system that is not only accessible and equitable but also resilient and responsive to the needs of the 21st century
