The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday called for massive investment into Mass Literacy programmes in the country.
The Ministry noted that the government alone cannot do it, but needs active involvement of Nigerians, partners and other stakeholders.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, spoke in Abuja during the Ministerial Press Briefing on the occasion of the 2025 International Literacy Day. It was themed: “Promoting Literacy In A Digital Era”
According to her, the ability to read, write, and engage digitally is no longer a luxury.
Stressing that it is a necessity at this moment in the country, she said that literacy is the foundation of development in any nation.
Prof Ahmad said "We are training facilitators, developing culturally relevant materials, and building community learning centres. But more than that, we are building hope, hope that every Nigerian, regardless of age or background, can learn, grow, and thrive.
"But we cannot do this alone. I call on our development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the private sector to join us. Literacy is not just the responsibility of government. it is a shared mission. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen has the tools to succeed in a digital world.
"On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Maruf Alausa, I invite every Nigerian to invest in Mass Literacy, because the future of our nation depends on it.
"Through our powerful call to action, “Each One, Teach One or Fund the Teaching of One,” we can turn this vision into reality. Whether by sharing knowledge or supporting those who do, each of us has a role to play." she stated
Noting that the day is an auspicious occasion to reaffirm Nigeria's commitment to spreading education and Mass literacy the country, she said "Today mark the 58th International Literacy Day, a day that reminds us of the power of words, the strength of knowledge, and the promise of opportunity.
"This year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era,” speaks directly to the moment we are living in a time when the ability to read, write, and engage digitally is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
"As a nation, we recognize that literacy is the foundation of development."
To this end, the Minister said, the Federal Ministry of Education, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking bold steps to expand access to literacy for all Nigerians especially youth and adults aged 15 and above.
She disclosed that across the country, the Ministry is conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise to identify those who are out of school or non-literate.
Through the data that will be generated, Prof Ahmad, said that millions of Nigerians will be enrolled into literacy programs that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering.
She added "We are also embracing the digital age. From mobile learning platforms to radio and television programs, we are using technology to reach learners wherever they are in cities, villages, IDP camps, and remote communities.
"We are working with partners to adapt proven models like Cuba’s “Yes, I Can” to our local context, ensuring that literacy is not just taught, but lived.
"Our goal is clear: to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4.6, which calls for all youth and a substantial proportion of adults to achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030." the Minister said
Stressing that the move is not just a global target, but a national priority.
"And it is fully aligned with our Ministerial Strategic Plan, which places education at the heart of Nigeria’s transformation.
"Let us recommit ourselves to this mission. Because when we empower one person with literacy, we unlock the potential of entire families, uplift communities, and lay the foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous Nigeria where no one is left behind." she concluded
In his welcome address, the Ag. Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), Dr John Edeh Onimisi, said the day is a call for action to all educators, advocates, and community builders.
According to him, it is to reaffirm that literacy should never be a privilege reserved for a few, but a right guaranteed for all especially adults and adolescents who have never been to school and cannot read or write.
He said it is also for adults and adolescents who are above school-going age but have not achieved reading, writing and numeracy competencies, young adults who left school before acquiring basic education due to factors such as conflict, pregnancy, ill health or death of parent, etc. and early school leavers who could not stay on to achieve permanent literacy for effective work.
Recalling that the target for digital enrolment for youth and adult of 15 years above, for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) aimed for only 3,876 learners, he said it ended up enrolling over 27,000 youth and adult learners, aged 15 and above, into literacy and empowerment programmes.
The initiative, he said, will be expanded to 377 Local Government Areas across all 36 states and the FCT and through 17 community learning centres in the coming days.
"We are going to reach thousands more. In all, we are embracing digital tools such as radio, TV, mobile apps to make learning more accessible, more flexible, and more relevant to people’s lives." he stated
Delivering a goodwill message at the occasion, the UNESCO Representative, Oladeji Adeyemi, said that the theme is a powerful reminder that literacy is no longer just about the ability to read and write on paper; but about empowering citizens to navigate, critically evaluate, and thrive in a world increasingly shaped by digital technology.
He reaffirmed UNESCO firm belief that literacy is a fundamental human right and a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, peace, and social inclusion.
"We commend the Federal Ministry of Education for its unwavering commitment to this cause. The Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) which has the reduction of out-of-school children as one of the priorities is highly commendable.
"The recent recognition of the "FastTrack" programme by the Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) with the 2024 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy is a testament to the innovative and impactful work being done right here in Nigeria.
"This initiative, which leverages a multilingual approach and offline technology to reach displaced children and youth, is a shining example of how we can address complex challenges with creative solutions.
"Literacy is more than a skill; it is a tool for empowerment, a foundation for peaceful societies, and a bridge to a more sustainable future." he stated
Noting that UNESCO remains a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s educational journey, he said, ongoing collaboration includes initiatives focused on teacher training, skills development, and promoting media and information literacy.
"We are dedicated to supporting the government's efforts to create an education system that is not only accessible and equitable but also resilient and responsive to the needs of the 21st century." he said