The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non‑Formal Education (NMEC) is targeting about 50 million Nigerians in its renewed push to expand digital and basic literacy across the country.
Alausa made the disclosure while speaking on the role of the commission in addressing the country’s high illiteracy rate, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, Nigeria currently has about 56 million citizens who cannot read or write, a challenge the commission is working to tackle through various learning programmes and outreach initiatives.
He noted that the commission has continued to play a vital role in educating adults and underserved populations across the country.
“The National Mass Literacy and Adult and Non-Formal Education Commission has done a human job in educating people in the rural areas,” the minister said.
“Today we have about 56 million Nigerians that are illiterate. We cannot continue to have this high number of citizens that are illiterate.”
Alausa explained that the commission deploys several strategies to reach learners, especially those in remote communities.
He said, “The commission deploys a lot of various ways to educate people across the country, predominantly in the rural area, using radio, TV, public advocacy, and they also have their schools.”
The minister also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for restoring the commission’s operational status, noting that the move would strengthen efforts to reduce illiteracy nationwide.
“We’re happy today that this commission, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, is back as a commission. We’re thankful to Mr. President for that,” he added.
The renewed focus on literacy, particularly digital literacy, is part of the government’s broader strategy to equip Nigerians with skills needed to participate effectively in the modern economy.