The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illiteracy and expanding access to inclusive lifelong learning through stronger support for the National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said greater autonomy for NMEC would enhance planning, coordination, implementation and accountability in mass literacy programmes across the country.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, Ahmad directed the activation of Community Learning Centres nationwide to expand access to literacy and non-formal education, particularly for underserved communities.
She said the government was also supporting the rehabilitation of the National Centre for Adult Education in Kano, infrastructure development, and efforts to establish a permanent headquarters for NMEC.
According to her, the Kano regional office is being developed into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre to provide practical skills alongside literacy education.
The minister also emphasised the importance of digital inclusion, teacher development, regular performance monitoring and updated national literacy data to strengthen the effectiveness of literacy programmes.
She urged NMEC to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and intensify public awareness of its programmes to ensure that more Nigerians benefit from available learning opportunities.
The minister spoke as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Literacy Day 2026, themed “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.”
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the country’s drive to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
