Nigeria today joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2021 International Literacy Day. Speaking on the commemoration the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu said the Government was determined to confront adult literacy program with the same zeal it has in addressing out of school children.
In November 1966 the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO proclaimed 8th September of every year as International Literacy Day to draw global attention to the status of literacy and lifelong learning as well as highlight the linkage between literacy and development of individuals and Nations.
Nigeria joins the rest of the world annually to observe the day which is in fulfilment of her international commitment as a UNESCO member State and to support the Organization in promoting international Peace and Security through education.
The Day serves as a platform for Governments at both the Federal and States level as well as literacy delivery agencies including the Civil Society Organisations to draw progress so far made and the challenges being encountered in the delivery of adult and youth literacy programs in particular and non-formal education in general.
The Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu explain that the government is investing in adult literacy with the believe that educating the parents will have ripple effect on the reduction of out of school children.
The head of UNESCO in Nigeria, Mr. Mamoudu Lami Sau said the current shift to digital teaching and learning has further widen the gap between formal and the non-formal education sub-sectors and called for more pragmatic approach to carry everyone along.
“The shift to digital teaching and Learning has further widened the inequalities to the detriment of the non-formal education subsector. This shift has also highlighted the best digital divide in terms of connectivity, infrastructure and the ability to engage with technology.”
But how is UNESCO supporting Nigeria in addressing the out of school children phenomenon? Mr. Lami Sau speaks further:
“Actually we know that the out of school children phenomenon is a great one in this country, so UNESCO is assuring access to quality education for all adults with learning opportunities.”
“It is our first role in responsibility to set the frame work for countries to try and develop policies, national plans, develop strategies, get the adequate funding and also provide infrastructure to make sure that education happen.”
The theme for the 2021 International Literacy Day celebration is “Literacy for Human Centered Recovery: Narrowing the Digital Divide”