The Federal Government has directed the activation of Community Learning Centres nationwide as part of renewed efforts to tackle illiteracy and expand access to adult and non-formal education across the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, gave the directive while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the autonomy and effectiveness of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).
Ahmad said greater autonomy for NMEC would enhance the commission’s ability to plan, coordinate, implement and monitor mass literacy programmes across the country.
She said, “Greater autonomy for NMEC will improve planning, coordination, implementation and accountability in mass literacy programmes across Nigeria.”
The minister directed the commission to activate Community Learning Centres nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.
She said the centres would help bring literacy and non-formal education closer to people who have limited access to conventional learning opportunities.
According to her, “We must ensure that literacy and lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.”
Ahmad said the government’s renewed commitment to mass literacy was aimed at ensuring that no Nigerian was excluded from opportunities to learn and develop relevant skills.
She added, “As we mark International Literacy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.”
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was supporting the rehabilitation of the National Centre for Adult Education in Kano, infrastructure development and efforts towards providing NMEC with a permanent headquarters.
She said, “Government is supporting the rehabilitation of the National Centre for Adult Education in Kano, infrastructure development and efforts towards a permanent headquarters for NMEC.”
Ahmad further disclosed that the Kano regional office of NMEC was being developed into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre.
She said the development would strengthen the link between literacy education and practical skills acquisition.
“The Kano regional office is also being developed into a TVET centre to provide practical skills alongside literacy education,” she said.
The minister stressed the importance of digital inclusion in the country’s literacy campaign, urging NMEC to ensure that technology was incorporated into learning opportunities.
She said, “Digital inclusion must remain an important part of our literacy efforts as we work to ensure that more Nigerians can participate fully in today’s increasingly digital society.”
Ahmad also emphasised the need for continuous teacher development and regular performance monitoring to improve the quality and effectiveness of mass literacy programmes.
She urged NMEC to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms and ensure that programmes were delivering the desired impact.
The minister also called for updated national literacy data, stressing that accurate information was necessary for effective planning and intervention.
“We need updated national literacy data to properly understand the gaps, plan interventions and measure the progress being made,” she said.
Ahmad urged NMEC to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and increase public awareness of its programmes.
She said, “NMEC must strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and increase public awareness of its programmes so that more Nigerians can benefit from the opportunities available.”
The minister made the remarks as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate International Literacy Day 2026, themed “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.”
She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to inclusive lifelong learning and ensuring that literacy opportunities reached Nigerians regardless of their location or circumstances.
“Our goal is to build an inclusive learning system where every Nigerian has the opportunity to acquire literacy, develop relevant skills and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Ahmad said.
The renewed push by the Federal Government is expected to strengthen community-based learning, expand access to adult education and support efforts to reduce illiteracy across the country.