By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), says closer collaboration between it and state agencies is critical to improving literacy outcomes across Nigeria.
Prof. Musa Maitafsir, the Executive Secretary of the commission said this during a One-day Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting has the theme “Enhancing Strategic Collaboration between SAMEs and NMEC for the Eradication of Illiteracy, Advancement of Vocational and Skills-Acquisition Education, and Improved Data Credibility in the Non-Formal Education Sub-sector.
Maitafsir described NMEC as the coordinating body and “mother agency’’ overseeing literacy programmes nationwide, noting that a disconnect between the commission’s headquarters and state structures had limited optimal performance.
According to him, the meeting was convened to bridge existing gaps, clarify institutional roles and strengthen cooperation toward achieving national literacy goals.
“The success of NMEC depends largely on what states are able to achieve. If state agencies are not adequately motivated or supported, the headquarters will have little result to present
“The success of NMEC is totally dependent on what the state can do. If the states have not been motivated to work, there is no way the headquarters will have the result to be shown to the world,” he said.
He explained that the engagement provided an opportunity to identify challenges faced by state agencies and explore practical ways the commission could support improved performance.
The executive secretary emphasised the importance of adult literacy, noting that educating adults often produces intergenerational benefits.
He said that when adults acquire literacy skills, the impact extends to their children and grandchildren, thereby strengthening educational development at the community level.
Addressing concerns about economic hardship affecting participation in literacy programmes, he said NMEC was adopting flexible strategies tailored to the needs of different communities.
According to him, interventions would vary based on local realities, adding that in some communities, providing basic incentives and learning facilities could significantly improve enrolment and attendance.
“We must understand the needs of different societies. In some areas, simple support structures can motivate learners and sustain participation in literacy programmes,” he said.
He added that the meeting also aimed at defining the responsibilities of stakeholders and developing resolutions that would enhance coordination between federal and state institutions.
The executive secretary further disclosed that NMEC was encouraging state governments to formally notify the commission of literacy initiatives carried out within their jurisdictions.
He said proper documentation of activities such as training programmes and poverty reduction outcomes would enable the commission to maintain accurate national records and assess progress.
According to him, collaboration with state governments implementing free education and school feeding programmes would also help attract more citizens, especially adults, into non-formal education schemes.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting states to expand access to literacy education and improve learning opportunities for out-of-school youths and adults nationwide. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
