The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education on Tuesday introduced a staff-driven initiative aimed at tackling adult illiteracy and enhancing functional skills among youths and adults.
The Staff-Led Literacy Facilitation Initiative will involve NMEC personnel directly setting up and managing literacy centres in communities identified as high-need areas.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Garba Maitasfir, represented by the Director of Education and Development at the commission, John Edeh, said the programme is designed to reach 300,000 youths and adults.
Maitasfir stated, “This initiative is not merely a programme, it is a call to action rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, the National Education Roadmap, and the renewed autonomy granted to NMEC by the Federal Executive Council.
“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 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.”
The programme will initially be implemented in the Federal Capital Territory and nearby communities, with staff volunteers acting as facilitators in community centres, markets, workplaces, and religious settings.
It combines basic literacy education with practical skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, health education, and vocational training.
He said, “Today, we declare that NMEC staff who are dedicated professionals at the headquarters, the zones, and across the 36 states federation and the Federal Capital Territory, will lead by example and by direct participation in this regard.”
Maitasfir outlined key elements of the initiative, stating, “The strategic modalities include advocacy and sensitisation of community leaders, women and youth; identification and establishment of literacy and vocational centres; provision of teaching and learning materials; and training of staff on adult learning methods with a focus on digital competencies.”
The Executive Secretary also encouraged NMEC staff living in underserved communities to actively participate.
“We will provide learning materials, training support, and recognition for your efforts. Your involvement will inspire learners and demonstrate that literacy is a shared national responsibility,” she said, referencing a recent visit to the Aco community in Lugbe, FCT.
Also speaking, the Director of the FCT Department of Mass Education, Favour Edem-Nse, represented by an official, Ben Ezumah, raised concerns about the high level of functional illiteracy among adults.
Ezumah said, “It is alarming that over 31 per cent of adults are functionally illiterate, even in this digital age.
“This initiative cannot be overemphasised. We need more people to work in the field of literacy, and we must leverage what we have to tackle this issue.”
In his remarks, the National President of the Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services, Emmanuel Noah, commended NMEC’s leadership, describing the initiative as “both timely and strategic.”
He emphasised the need for collaboration, stating that the association fully supports NMEC’s vision.
“Through impact lies strong collaboration and grassroots engagement. We reaffirm our commitment to partner.
“Together, we can build a programme where literacy becomes a culture,” he said.
Recently, the Federal Executive Council approved restoring NMEC to its full commission status after it had previously been downgraded to a department within the ministry.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the move is part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s literacy challenges and equip citizens with essential digital and basic education skills.