Red alert! 60m Nigerians are illiterates – FG

…Laments literacy level at lower cadre of unity college

…Says creation of literacy centres will reduce high percentage of illiterates

Doosuur Iwambe with agency report

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, has revealed that about 60 million Nigerians are illiterates.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of a pilot literacy centre for the north-central zone at the Federal Government College Otobi, Echono said that the creation of literacy centres will reduce the high percentage of illiteracy in the country.

Regretting that the illiteracy rate among the youth and adults is high, the permanent secretary lamented that the literacy level at the lower cadre of the colleges is also alarming.

He disclosed further that literacy centres to be established in 104 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) are aimed at reducing the high rate of illiteracy at the low cadre of the staff of the institutions.

He stressed that the Federal Government designed the literacy programme to cater for them and others in the host communities.

He said literacy was both a social and human rights issue and called on the learners at the pilot centre to remain committed and take their studies with all seriousness.

According to him, the essence of the scheme is to fit into the sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially SDG number four which highlights inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of long learning opportunities.

He explained that the programme would equip its beneficiaries with literacy and numeracy skills to be able to handle challenges of life.

Stephen Ojo, an officer from the office of the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on SDGs, commended the foresight of the Education ministry in designing the programme and promised to provide technical support to the ministry towards its success.

He emphasised that the scheme would help build capacities and skills of all the participants.

Amudipe Gabriel, the principal of the school, commended the permanent secretary for his doggedness in ensuring that the programme began in earnest and for making his school the centre in the zone.