The Minister who made this assertion in abuja to commemorate the celebration of the 2022 world Education and Literacy day, said that this day is celebrated all over the world to reaffirm commitment to promoting education and literacy.
Hon. Opiah said that it goes on to underscore the importance of education to human existence.
On this note, the Minister of state for Education conveyed his warm greetings to everyone present at the press briefing, especially the National and International Development Partners and particularly the Regional Director, UNESCO and his team.
He maintained that the theme of the 2022 International Literacy Day as “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces; Exploring Opportunities and Possibilities”, is an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.
Opiah, reiterates that the theme is also apt as it will adequately help to increase awareness about the diverse literacy learning spaces which centred on the needs of youths and adults. These needs are based on new knowledge and emerging evidences that are related to effective policies, systems, governance, programmes, teaching and learning practice, and monitoring of learning spaces.
The minister equally stated that each year through this celebration, we remind all stakeholders of the status of literacy and adult learning, to strive hard to solicit for more dedication, enthusiasm and commitment by all towards the cause of mass literacy delivery. Indeed, the past 2 years has turned out to be an unexpected reality for the entire globe with the outbreak of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic that struck the world unexpectedly.
Hon. Opiah stipulated that strategy promotes integrated approach to literacy learning, built on the principles of lifelong learning, which is the major focus of UNESCO s ILD ( International literacy day) for this year. It is against this backdrop, that the FME has chosen to join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Literacy Day with the mindset of bringing creativity and innovation to literacy delivery in Nigeria.
He also drew attention to the fact that his team have been at the helm of Education in Nigeria, they would continue to leverage on the existing progress and transformation in the development of literacy learning spaces while setting the stage for lifelong learning of the Nigerian adults and youths.
The minister went forward to substantiate that there’s improved literacy levels in the country, noting a lot of successes recorded. Some of which include: guaranteed additional access to adult and non-formal education programmes in 377 centres across the 36 states and FCT, empowered grandaunts of Basic Literacy and Vocational Programmes with Skills and income generating equipment in three major trades: Fashion and Design, Home Economics, (including Beauty and Cosmetology) and provided teaching and learning materials to all the 36 State Agencies for Adult and Non-Formal Education among others.
Hon. Nanah Opiah recalled that It is heartwarming to note that the current statistics of 2022, based on estimations, captured the non-literate population at about 31% of the estimated total population. This is a significant reduction from the hitherto statistics of 38% in 2015..
The minister of state for Education reiterates Government’s commitment to continually adoption of existing and emerging transformation, innovations in the literacy learning spaces. Indeed, our agenda for the year is premised on concerted efforts geared towards the creation of learner-centric learning spaces, even as we strive to connect the learning pathways between informal, non-formal and formal education systems and account for the literacy learning outcomes that take place in unconventional spaces.
Finally, Hon. Opiah, stated that it’s time for nation to collectively forge ahead in the utilization of digital modernization as offered by emerging global technologies, confirming that Nigeria has adopted a holistic approach that involves all key stakeholders in meeting the learning needs of youths and adults of different profiles and in different environments.
The minister of state for Education wished everyone a successful celebration of the 2022 International Literacy Day.
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