By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has unveiled a plan to reach 300,000 youths and adults with functional literacy skills nationwide.
The initiative, tagged Staff-Led Literacy Facilitation Initiative, was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja to tackle adult illiteracy and promote vocational and life skills.
Speaking at the event, NMEC Executive Secretary, Prof. Garba Maitasfir, said the programme would involve staff establishing and managing literacy centres in underserved communities.
Maitasfir, represented by the Director, Literacy and Development, Mr John Edeh, described the initiative as a call to action which aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the programme would address barriers to economic inclusion, national development and social equity caused by widespread illiteracy.
According to him, the initiative will begin in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas before scaling up nationwide.
“As we have seen in recent months, with the ambitious targets to reach 300,000 youths and adults with functional literacy skills, the time for business as usual has passed.
“Illiteracy remains a barrier to national progress, economic inclusion, and social equity.
“As part of the efforts to solve the problem of inadequate literacy, and vocational centres in our communities, there is a major need to institutionalise the Staff-Led Community Adult Literacy Initiative.
“This is in line with the provision of the Commission’s Policy Guidelines regarding access and equity to learning establishments of pilot Adult, Mass Literacy, and Non-Formal Education Centres in Nigeria.”
He added that staff volunteers would serve as facilitators in community centres, markets, workplaces and religious centres.
The executive secretary said the programme integrates literacy with digital, financial and health education, alongside vocational training.
He said key components include advocacy, establishment of literacy and vocational centres, provision of learning materials and training of facilitators.
Maitasfir urged staff members residing in underserved communities to actively participate in the programme.
Also speaking, Director, FCT Department of Mass Education, Mrs Favour Edem-Nse, decried the high rate of adult illiteracy in the country.
Edem-Nse, represented by Mr Ben Ezumah, an official in the department, said over 31 per cent of adults remained functionally illiterate.
She called for increased manpower and resources to strengthen literacy programmes across communities.
In his remarks, National President, Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services, Mr Emmanuel Noah, commended NMEC’s leadership for the initiative.
Noah emphasised the need for strong collaboration and grassroots engagement to ensure success.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to partner with NMEC to promote literacy as a national culture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Executive Council recently restored NMEC to its full status after it was earlier downgraded. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
