Adult education crucial in addressing out-of-school children phenomenon

Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman and Minister of State for Education Yusuf Tanko Sununu PhD underscored the pivotal role of adult education in combating the escalating issue of out-of-school children.

Both ministers stressed that prioritizing adult education is essential, as educated adults are more likely to ensure their children receive proper education.

During a briefing session with the leadership of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman highlighted the urgent need to tackle adult illiteracy, emphasizing its direct impact on the persistent flow of out-of-school children. He identified funding, advocacy, and commitment as key elements in addressing the challenge and directed the Commission to provide up-to-date data on adult illiterates, their locations, and strategies for intervention.

Minister of State for Education Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu echoed the importance of adequate funding in elevating the nation’s literacy levels. Expressing concern over the removal of the National Commission for Mass Literacy from the Annual National Budget funding, he pledged to address this matter with colleagues at the National Assembly. Dr. Sununu clarified that the Commission serves as a provider of a critical national service rather than a revenue-yielding agency.

In earlier briefings to the ministers, Prof. Simon Akpama, Director General of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, highlighted the potential impact of investing in the adult education subsector. He emphasized that such investments could not only enhance the overall literacy level of the country but also significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben. Bem Goong, urged the public to recognize the urgency of addressing adult illiteracy for the betterment of the nation’s educational landscape.