FG Launches Nationwide Mapping to Identify Non-Literate Nigerians

FG Launches Nationwide Mapping to Identify Non-Literate Nigerians
Ahmad stressed that literacy is the foundation of national development
The minister added that the initiative aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6

The Federal Government has begun a nationwide mapping exercise to identify out-of-school children and non-literate citizens across the country.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja.

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She explained that with accurate data from the exercise, the government would be able to enrol millions of Nigerians into literacy programmes that are inclusive, empowering, and relevant.

Speaking at a ministerial media briefing to mark the 58th International Literacy Day, themed Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era, Ahmad stressed that literacy is the foundation of national development.

She said: “The Federal Ministry of Education, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking bold steps to expand access to literacy for all Nigerians, especially youths and adults aged 15 and above.

“Currently, across the country, we are conducting comprehensive mapping to identify out-of-school and non-literate individuals. With this data, we can enrol millions into literacy programmes that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering.

“We are also embracing the digital age. From mobile learning platforms to radio and television programmes, we are deploying technology to reach learners in cities, villages, IDP camps, and remote communities. We are also adapting proven models such as Cuba’s Yes, I Can to our local context, ensuring literacy is not only taught but lived.”

The minister added that the initiative aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which seeks to ensure that all youths and a significant proportion of adults attain literacy and numeracy by 2030.

She noted that this aligns with the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, which positions education at the centre of Nigeria’s transformation.

“We are training facilitators, creating culturally relevant learning materials, and establishing community learning centres. Beyond that, we are building hope – hope that every Nigerian, regardless of age or background, can learn, grow, and thrive,” Ahmad stated.

She urged development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and the private sector to support the government in achieving the goal, stressing that literacy is a shared responsibility.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr. John Onimisi, revealed that the agency has already enrolled over 27,000 youths and adults aged 15 and above into literacy and empowerment programmes within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

“These learners come from communities such as Apo Mechanic Village, Karonmajigi, Lugbe, Dogongada, Apo Resettlement, Gwarinpa, Kubwa Village, Mararaba, Kurudu, and Gwagwalada. We set out with a modest target but have already surpassed it, and we are determined to expand,” Onimisi said.

He explained that the programme will soon be extended to 377 local government areas across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Through 17 community learning centres, thousands more will be reached, with the aid of digital platforms including radio, television, and mobile applications.

The Acting Head of Sector Education at UNESCO, Oladeji Adeyemi, pledged the organisation’s continued support for the Federal Government’s drive to build an education system that is accessible, equitable, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.

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