The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, emphasizing the president’s determination to eradicate illiteracy nationwide.
Prof Mamman made these remarks in Abuja during an event commemorating International Literacy Day, themed “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.”
Highlighting the gravity of the problem, he disclosed that the challenge of adult illiteracy and the staggering number of out-of-school children rank among the top eight priorities discussed and resolved upon during the latest executive meeting.
Describing the problem of out-of-school children as a disease that must be eradicated, Prof Mamman stated, “We have received directives from Mr. President, and we are personally committed to addressing this issue.
In the coming weeks, we will engage the public to discuss the strategies and platforms that will help us overcome this challenge. We are determined to overcome any obstacles in our path to achieve this goal.”
Addressing concerns about conflicting data, the minister clarified that the latest figure stands at a staggering 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Prof Simon Akpama, underscored the significance of International Literacy Day in fostering societal stability, social and economic development, and peace, while urging a sincere reconsideration of the critical role literacy plays in these aspects.
International Literacy Day, observed since 1967 under UNESCO’s banner, serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative of literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for building a more literate and sustainable society.
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