By Omowumi Samuel.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, says over 6.9 million Children are out of school in the country as the Ministry commemorates this year’s International Literacy Day celebration.
In November 1966, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had declared 8th September of every year as the International Literacy Day, which has drawn global interest to the status of literacy and lifelong learning, as well as highlight the linkage between literacy and the development of individuals and nations.
The Theme of the day is” Literacy for a Human centred recovery: Narrowing the Digital divide”.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sony Echono, noted that the Day serves as a platform for Governments, at both Federal and State levels, as well as literacy delivery agencies, including civil society organizations, to review the progress made so far, and analyze the hurdles being encountered in the delivery of youth literacy programmes.
He added that over 6.9 million children are out of school, which has added to the estimated 38% of non-literate adult population.
According to him, ”it is a known fact that non- literate parents are more likely to breed out of school children, thereby compounding the phenomenon recently facing the nation.
The Minister reiterated that government is resolute in confronting adult literacy programme, with zeal of handling out of school children. In his words,” it is our belief that confronting adult illiteracy and paying attention to out of school children is a comprehensive approach towards resolving the challenges of out of school children on a sustainable basis”.
Adamu again emphasized on the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as embedded in its ability to create greater access to information and communication among underserved population.
“No doubt, digital tools can go a long way in the expansion of access to learning and improvement of quality”
Consequently, the Minister commended the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, and her entire staff for their unflinching support in coordinating wide ranging technical and financial assistance of the UN system, and in the areas of policy development, strategic planning and capacity development, within the five fields of competence.
The Education Minister charged all stakeholders, including the 4th estate of the realm, to make a difference by complementing government’s efforts in the fight against illiteracy in various homes, families, schedules and the community at large.
