By Omowumi Samuel in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, says that over 6.9 million Children are out of school in the country as the Ministry commemorates 2021 International Literacy Day celebration.
The Reporters recalls that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 8, 1966 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.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sony Echono, noted that the Day served as a platform for Governments, at Federal and State levels as well as literacy delivery agencies, including civil society organizations.
The stakeholders, Adamu added, were charged with the responsibility of reviewing the progress made so far, and analyze the hurdles being encountered in the delivery of youth literacy programmes.
The minister also said that over 6.9 million children out of school had added to the estimated 38 per cent of non-literate adult population.
He said, ”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, however, reiterated that government was resolute in confronting adult literacy programme, with zeal of handling out of school children.
”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,”he said.
Adamu emphasized 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,”according to the minister.
He 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 called 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.
