Number of Nigerians who can’t read, write, disheartening- Minister

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu described as disheartening the number of young Nigerians and adults who are unable to read and write.

According to reports, 31 per cent of Nigerian’s population are said to be illiterate,

Speaking at the National stakeholders’ engagement towards achieving Pillar 4 of the Education for the Renewed Hope agenda in Abuja on Tuesday, Sununu said there was an urgent need to reduce the youth and adult illiteracy rate in Nigeria significantly.

The Minister said acquiring basic literacy skills was critical to developing any nation.

He said, “It is disheartening that such a huge number of adult and young Nigerians could not read and write in today’s rapidly changing and knowledge-based society. The acquisition of basic literacy skills, its advancement, and the application of such skills throughout life is critical to the development of any nation.”

He noted that no country has achieved continuous and rapid economic growth without at least 40 per cent of its adults being literate.

He added that “literacy is recognised as a basic right and the basis for lifelong learning.’’

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Akpama Simon Ibor, said it was an irrefutable fact that youth and adult illiteracy constitute the fountain from which the embarrassing out-of-school children syndrome emanates in the country.

Ibor said, “Literacy is not merely the ability to read and write; it is the foundation upon which we build our future. It empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes sustainable development.

“The Road Map for the Nigerian Education Sector provides us with a strategic framework to tackle literacy challenges head-on. However, the success of this laudable initiative depends on our collaboration, innovative approaches, and relentless dedication.”

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