The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Ending Learning Poverty for All in Africa (ELPAF) campaign—an African Union (AU)-led initiative aimed at ensuring that all children across the continent acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills essential for lifelong learning and sustainable development.
The launch event took place on August 1, 2025, in Abuja. Representing the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Abel Olumiyiwa Enitan, described the ELPAF campaign as a transformative call to action.
Quoting the World Bank’s 2019 definition of learning poverty—the inability of a 10-year-old to read and understand a simple sentence—Mr. Enitan noted that over 80% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are currently affected. He emphasized that despite high enrollment figures, the majority of children are not truly learning, calling the situation “the silent erosion of human potential.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting several major initiatives such as the National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Programme, the Nigeria Learning Passport, the Accelerated Basic Education Programme, and ongoing reforms in teacher development and training.
Also speaking at the event, Hajia Larai Nana Ahmed, Director of Education Support Services, acknowledged several key challenges affecting foundational learning in Nigeria. These include overcrowded classrooms and infrastructure deficits. However, she noted that the government is addressing these challenges through measures like school feeding programs and a focus on inclusive education.
Dr. Omolara Loudoun highlighted Nigeria’s selection as one of the 25 pilot countries for ELPAF implementation. She described the campaign as a “roadmap for measurable transformation” in foundational education across Africa.
Dr. Mahaman Bachir, representing the African Union at the event, reaffirmed the AU’s strong support for Nigeria’s national education reform and its commitment to ending learning poverty continent-wide.
According to UNICEF, more than 70% of Nigerian children lack foundational literacy skills, making this campaign both urgent and necessary. Mrs. Onoja Joy, Deputy Director of Basic Education, called for full-scale national implementation to achieve the desired outcomes.
Supported by the African Union and UNICEF, ELPAF encourages African governments to collaborate with international and local partners to close equity gaps and deliver inclusive, quality education for all children.
The Federal Ministry of Education, through this campaign, reiterated its vision to restore hope and unlock the full potential of every Nigerian child through foundational learning.
