*As FG Partners Private Sector To Boost Mass Literacy
Worried by the present scenerio, the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has decried the high level of illiteracy among Nigerian adults.
According to him, this has been a major challenge hindering Nigeria's overall development and progress.
He made the remark on Tuesday during a Stakeholders Meeting on the Proposed Development of 13 New Infrastructure Projects For the Kano Centre Of the National Mass Literacy Centre Using Public-Private Partnership in Abuja.
The Minister said "It gives me great pleasure to be with you to witness the stakeholders engagement on the proposed development of thirteen (13) critical infrastructures for the Kano Centre of National Mass Literacy Centre through a land swap public-private partnership.
"I am honoured to address you here today and to discuss the importance of this project and its potential impact on our society.
"As you may already know, literacy is a fundamental human right and a critical factor for individual and societal development. It is the key to unlocking opportunities, empowering individuals, and building a strong and prosperous nation.
"Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we still have a significant number of adults who are illiterate or have limited literacy skills. This is a major challenge that hinders our overall development and progress as a country." he stated.
He pointed out that one of the major obstacle to providing quality education to the teeming population was the lack of adequate infrastructure in Nigeria's institutions of higher learning and many post-secondary schools.
According to him, the Kano Centre of the National Mass Literacy Centre will play a crucial role in addressing the present challenge by providing literacy education to adults across the country.
But to achieve its mandate and reach more people, the Minister warned that it is essential to have the necessary infrastructure and resources in place.
He added "This is where the proposed development of 13 critical infrastructures through land swap Public-Private Partnership comes into play.
"Through this innovative approach, we will be able to leverage the expertise, resources, and capabilities of the private sector to create modern and functional learning facilities for the Centre.
"This will not only enhance the quality of education and training provided but also ensure the sustainability and long- term success of the Centre. But here's the innovative twist: we are partnering with the private sector to make this vision a reality."
The Minister went on "Under this PPP arrangement, the private sector will be fully responsible for financing these projects. In return, the private company will receive a portion of the unused land belonging to the Center in a win-win land swap initiative."
The proposed infrastructure projects, he said, included Blocks of classrooms (10 units), 100-bed capacity male hostel, 75-bed capacity female hostel, 250-seat capacity lecture theatre, ICT centre (equipped), Skill Acquisition Centre.
Others, according to him, are 3-bedroom block of flat (one block with six units), 2-bedroom block of flat (one block with six units), 3-bedroom bungalow, School Library, Cafeteria (one unit of canteen), Clinic and Service Infrastructure (roads, landscape, electric poles etc.).
Stressing that the benefits of the partnership are multifaceted, he said, "Firstly, it allows us to tap into the financial and technical capabilities of the private sector, which will result in world-class infrastructure that meets global standards.
"Secondly, it enables us to optimise the use of the Center's land, unlocking its full potential and creating a hub of academic and economic activity thereby ending its availability as a haven for hoodlums and hideout of criminals.
"Thirdly, this partnership demonstrates our commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for the private sector to contribute to nation-building. And finally, it sends a strong signal to the international community that Nigeria is open for business and ready to collaborate with partners who share our vision for growth and development." he stated.
The Minister harped on the importance of collaboration and partnership in order to achieve the set goals, noting that the government cannot do it alone.
"And we need the active involvement and support of all stakeholders, Including the private sector, civil society organizations, and individuals, to make this project a success.
"We are confident that this partnership will serve as a model for future collaborations between the public and private sectors. We are committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and enterprise, and we believe that this partnership will be a catalyst for growth and development in Kano State and our nation." he said