The number of non-literate population in Nigeria has dropped to about 31 per cent of the estimated total population.
The Federal Government said this was a significant reduction from the 38 per cent recorded in 2015.
Minister of State for Education Goodluck Opiah stated this during a briefing to mark this year’s International Literacy Day in Abuja.
Opiah said: “For us here at the helm of Education in Nigeria, we would continue to leverage on the existing progress and transformation in the development of literacy learning spaces while setting the stage for lifelong learning of the Nigerian adults and youths.
“To improve literacy levels in the country, we have a lot of successes recorded. Some of which include: guaranteed additional access to adult and non-formal education programmes in 377 centres across the 36 states and FCT, empowered graduands of Basic Literacy and Vocational Programmes with Skills and income generating equipment in three major trades: Fashion and Design, Home Economics, (including Beauty and Cosmetology) and provided teaching and learning materials to all the 36 State Agencies for Adult and Non-Formal Education among others.
“It is heartwarming to note that the current statistics of 2022, based on estimations, captured the non-literate population at about 31% of the estimated total population. This is a significant reduction from the hitherto statistics of 38% in 2015..
“I want to reiterate Government’s commitment to continually adopt existing and emerging transformation innovations in the literacy learning spaces. Indeed, our agenda for the year is premised on concerted efforts geared towards the creation of learner-centric learning spaces, even as we strive to connect the learning pathways between informal, non-formal and formal education systems and account for the literacy learning outcomes that take place in unconventional spaces.
“As we collectively forge ahead in the utilization of digital modernisation as offered by emerging global technologies Nigeria has adopt a holistic approach that involves all key stakeholders in meeting the learning needs of youths and adults of different profiles and in different environments.”