The Federal Government is strengthening the autonomy of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) to improve the delivery of literacy programmes across the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said giving NMEC greater autonomy would make it easier for the commission to plan, coordinate and monitor mass literacy programmes, while also improving accountability.
She also directed the commission to activate Community Learning Centres across the country, especially in communities where access to formal education remains limited.
According to the minister, the centres will provide opportunities for adults and other underserved groups to access literacy and non-formal education within their communities.
Government Supports NMEC Infrastructure
The Federal Government is also supporting the rehabilitation of the National Centre for Adult Education in Kano, as well as other infrastructure projects and the development of a permanent headquarters for NMEC.
The Kano regional office of the commission is being developed into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre, where beneficiaries will be able to gain practical skills alongside literacy education.
Ahmad said the government was also paying attention to digital inclusion and teacher development, while stressing the need for regular monitoring of literacy programmes.
She called for the collection and updating of reliable national literacy data to help government identify gaps and better plan its interventions.
FG Calls for Wider Awareness
The minister also called on NMEC to work more closely with stakeholders and step up public awareness of its programmes.
She said stronger collaboration would help the commission reach more people and improve participation in literacy and non-formal education programmes.
The minister spoke as Nigeria joins other countries to mark International Literacy Day 2026, with this year’s theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.”
The Federal Government said it remains committed to expanding access to learning opportunities and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
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